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http://www.archive.org/details/directoryofborou01wliit 



CRITTENDEN'S 






ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER, 1844. 

INCORPORATED AS A COLIiEGE JUNE 4th, 185«. 



An Institution Designed to Prepare ¥onng Men 

FOR ACTIVE BUSINESS. 

o 

LOCATED AT THE 

North-east Corner of Chestnut & Seventh Streets. 



This Institution, which is now in the sixteenth year of its existence, hM 
always enjoyed, to a very large degree, the confidence of the community. And 
the fact that among the most able and influential of the business men of the 
day, may he found hundreds of its graduates, proves its value. 

OPEIV DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAY AIVD THE SABBATH. 



TERMS, INVARIABLY IN ADVANCE: 

For THE COMPLETE COUNTING HOUSE COURSE, consisting of 

Book-Keeping, Writing and Commercial Forms and Calculations $35 00 
Tor Book-Keeping, full course, including Calculations..,.,...,,,,,.. 30 00 
for Book-Keeping, except for Commission Business, and Joint Stock 

Company Business 25 00 

For Commercial Calculations, or Mercantile Arithmetic.... .....,••, 5 00 

For Three months' lessons in Plain Penmanship 10 00 

For Instruction in Ornamental Penmanship & Flourishing, 

According to Agreement. 
Stationery, charged extra for the course of Book-Keeping •• 3 00 



FOR O-A-TwA-LOCa^TJES, 

Containing full particulars of the manner of instruction, nantsa of Students 
for the last year, Board of Trusttes and Faculty, ^c, ^c, please call at the 
College Building, or address 

S. H. CEITTENDEN, Principal, 



DIRECTORY 

OF THE BOROUGHS OF 

NOmSTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT, 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA. 

FOR THE YEARS 1860-61; 

CONTAINING A 



FROM THEIR FTRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ; THE NAMES 

OF ALL THE INHABITANTS, ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED, THEIR 

OCCUPATIONS, PLACES OF BUSINESS, AND DWELLING HOUSES ; 

A LIST OF THE STREETS OF THE BOROUGH; STATISTICS 

OP PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS ; THE LOCATION 

AND TIME OF HOLDING SERVICE IN THE 

CHURCHES ; THE TIME OF ARRIVAL AND 

DEPARTURE OF THE DIFFERENT 

LINES OF TRAVEL; THE TIME 

AND PLACE OF MEETING OF 

THE VARIOUS SOCIE- " ' '■'. 

TIES AND ASSO- 
CIATIONS. 



ALSO, THE CARDS OF THE PRINCIPAL MERCHANTS, 
ARTIZANS AND PROFESSIONAL MEN 
OF THE BOROUGHS. 



WIILLIAM WHITEHEAD, Piablislier, 



WEST CHESTER: 

E, F. James, Steam Power Book and Job Printer. 
I860- 



bQni% 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by 

EDWARD F. JAMES, 

In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States, 

in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



I^IIEB^^OE. 



In prosecuting the labors incident to the publication 
of the History and Directory of Norristown and 
Bridgeport, the attention of the publisher has been 
more especially drawn to the consideration of the em- 
inent advantages of these localities for the various 
purposes of business and social life. To portray these 
has been a primary object, as they were esteemed of 
more value to the community than the mere enumera- 
tion of matters of small moment. The Statistical por- 
tion of the work, however, is believed to be as full as 
time and circumstances admitted, and there has been 
an honest endeavor to have it, as also the Directory, 
correct. 

It is believed that the Sketch preceding the Di- 
rectory, is a feature of the work that enables the Pub- 
lisher to give a clearer view of the interests connected 
with the present and prospective advantages of the 
Boroughs ; that it can hardly fail to enlist the atten- 
tion of those who desire either a healthy and delight- 
ful residence, or investments in an increasing mart of 
trade. 

To those who have so kindly seconded our efforts 
in the several departments of the work, we tender 
our unfeigned thanks ; and we are anxious that it 
may not only^be an equivalent to the patronage ex. 
tended to us, but that an interest in local history may 
be so far awakened, as to induce others to fill up, and 
make perfect, that which we have only begun. 

\Y. W. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

Montgomery County— Statistics — Manof -of Norriton — ^Own- 
ed by William Penn — Transferred to his Son — purchased 
by ISTorris and Trent — Statistics. 5 

CHAPTER TI. 

Norristown— -Location— Boundary — Taken from Norriton — 
Area in 1771 — Bought by Col. John Bull — Sold to Univer- 
sity — Original plan of Town Lots — Part of Site of Borough 
purchased by John Markley — Statistics — Erection of Bo- 
rough — Area in 1853 — Face of Countrj^ — Compact part of 
Town in 1860 — Upper and Lower part of Town, contrast- 
View from the Hill. « 

CHAPTER IIL 

Original Settlers — Intercourse — Eflfect of English Rule — Ex- 
tinction of Language — Depression of Trade— Revival there- 
of—Position of JS'orristown for Trade — Coal Fields— Mills 
—Water— Gas. 13 

CHAPTER IV. 

Schuylkill River— Names— Area of Valley— Sources of Riv- 
er—Course — Tributaries— Length— Townships Bordering on 
Kiver— Bridges — Boroughs — Distance of Navigation— Dis- 
covery Trade — Fish — Dams and Weirs — Canoe and Shore- 
men — Collisions. i7 

CHAPTER V. 

Indian Tribes—Settlers — English — Welsh — Settlements in 
Marion and Gwynedd-^Episcopaiians and Friends — Ger- 
mans — Swedes — Settlement of vicinity of Bridgeport. 23 

CHAPTER VI. 

Bridgeport — Boundary-— Holstein Tract— Transfer— Upper 
and Lower part of Borough — Real Estate — Population — 
Revolution — Passages of the Schuylkill — Howe's Encamp- 
ment — March to Valley Forge. 34 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Union Canal — Canal from Philadelphia to Norristown — First 
Excavation for Canal in the States — Effect of Coal Mining 
on Trade of River — Schuylkill Navigation Company — Rail- 
roads — Norristown Railroad — Reading Railroad — Chester 
Valley Railroad — Norristown and Allentown Railroad. 41 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Churches — Swedes — Friends — Episcopalians — Methodists — 
Baptists — Presbyterians — Catholics — German Reformed. 50 

CHAPTER IX. 

j/jchools — Public— Female Institute — Press — Noi-ristown Ga- 
zette — Norristown Herald — Norristown Register — Mont- 
gomery Democrat — Montgomery Watchman — Olive Branch 
— JSTorristown Republican — National Defender — Court 
Houses — Jails. 67 

CHAPTER X. 

Public Square— Geological Features — Health — Bank — Creeks 
— Roads — Streets — Market Houses — Cemetery — Fords — 
Ferries — Trees — Canoes- — Barbados Island — First Book 
Store — Curious Relic —Libraries. 77 

CHAPTER XI. 

Isaac Norris— William Trent — Holsteins— Rambos— Col. John 
Bull — Swedesburg — Christ Church and Graveyard — Con- 
trast of Primitive and Modern Times. 90 

CHAPTER XII. 

Uniformity of Streets — Contrast with other Places — Enlarge- 
ment of Area — Broad Avenues — Grades — Wants — Consoli- 
dation of the Boroughs — Cleanliness— Workingmen— Means 
of Mental Improvement — Morals — Means b}^ which Public 
Prosperity is Preserved — Churches — Sunday Schools — 
Public Libraries — Benevolent Associations — Mills — Facto- 
ries — Military Companies — Oil and Paper Mill — Nail and 
Iron Works — Foundries and Machine Shops — Fire Com- 
panies — Banks — Savings Fund — Stage Lines — Railroads — 
Telegraph. 99 

CHAPTER XIII. 

State of Society — Hospitalitj' — Execution — Public Houses 
and Dwellings in 1793 — Stores — Times of 1795 — Houses, 
Population, &c., in 1803— Extent of Norristown in 1812— 
Impulse in 1832— Wards in 1847— Wards in 1852— Taxa- 
bles and Population — Cabinet of Natural Science — First 
House — DuPortail — Bridge at DeKalb Street — Swedes' 
Ford — William Moore Smith. 112 



CONTENTS. Ill 



PAGE. 

Cemeteries 207 

County and Borough Officers, 199 

Churches 200 

Directory of Norristown 123 

Directory of Bridgeport 182 

Fire Department 204 

Factories 203 

List of Streets, Norristown, 193 

List of Streets, Bridgeport, 196 

List of Streets 191 

Military Department 205 

Mills 207 

Miscellaneous 217 

Post Office Department , 206 

Statistics of Norristown, 197 

Statistics of Bridgeport, 227 



INDEX TO ADVERTISEMENTS. 

American Life Insurance and Trust Company, 

Opposite second page cover. 

PAGE. 

Amey George, Wine and Liquors 13 

Andre G. & Co., Foreign and American Music 35 

Auge M. & Co., Clothing, Hats and Caps 27 

Bainbridge Henry, Boot, Shoe and Trunk Manufacturer 6 

Bertolet A. W. , Liquor Dealer 8 

Beerer Alfred, Watch Maker and Jeweler 33 

Boyer Willoughby B., Dry Goods, Grocery & Provision Store, 44 

Bradley Caleb, Conveyancer and Real Estate Agent 44 

Briggs William, Guns 44 

Cherry Hill Nurseries 47 

Christman John W., Coal, Wood and Guano Dealer • • • • 3 

Corson R. R., Real Estate Broker and Conveyancer 9 

Crittenden S. H., Commercial Academy Opposite title. 

Damon, Speakman & Co., Churns 50 

Davis Evan, Clothier 5 

Dotterer C. & Co., Leather Store 26 

Evans Harrison, Furniture Store .12 

Evans Amos, Restaurant 16 

Fraliy Henry, Oyster Stand 11 

Gilbert Frederick, Agriculturallmplements 56 

Gould J. E., Pianos and Melodeons Third page cover. 

Harris' Improved Boudoir Sewing Machine 52 

Hansen Miss Anna M., Milliner 48 

Hansen George Y., Wall Paper 48 

Hartranft J. F., Conveyancer 9 



lY CONTENTS. 



Hotel Montgomery 28 

Hotel Veranda 17 

Hotel Farmers' and Mechanics' 41 

Hotel Pennsylvania Farmers' 25 

Hotel Washington 49 

Hughes N. K., Lumber and Coal 29 

Hughes L. & S., Dry Goods and Trimmings 50 

Iron Foundry 20 

Jjnkins Benjamin, Livery Stable 33 

Hurst & Freedley, Wines and Liquors 55 

King William, Restaurant 15 

Kohler B., Job & Fancy Book Binder 11 

Koplin W. S., Jeweler and w atch Maker 26 

Kramer Jacob, Ornamental Iron Works 46 

Lawrence N. S., Paper and Cards 55 

Ladomus & Co., Watches and Jewelry 54 

Lackner Augustus, Tailor 12 

Lindsay Malcom, Blacksmith 12 

Major & Corson, Grocers and Tea Dealers. ... 7 

M cCoy John, Gas and Steam Fitter 4 

McCarter A. & Brothers, Iron Foundry. 18 

McLeer Daniel, Woolen Goods 23 

Meeh Christian, Confectionery and Bakery 21 

Meyerson Lyman B., Clothier 8 

Morris Nursery. 31 

National Defender 43 

Nace Elias, Restaurant. 15 

Norris Iron Works 34 

Norristown Republican 27 

Norristown Herald & Free Press 14 

Norristown Register fe Montgomerj' Watchman 40 

Perry George, Wine and Liquor Store 37 

Potts John, Lumber and Coal 16 

Quillman Daniel & Son, Stove, Tin and Hardware Store 36 

Rambo House 19 

Reiff Jonas A., Groceries and Provisions 13 

Ritter H. B., Imported and Domestic Segars 22 

Ruddack William A., Cabinet Maker and Undertaker 7 

Savings Fund and United States Trust Company 45 

Scheetz Samuel, Coach Maker 5 

SlemmerDr. H. S., W holesale and Retail Druggist 38 

Slemmer Dr 39 

Slingluff Joseph, Dry Goods and Grocery Store 42 

Snell & Rutty, Stoves and Heaters 51 

Solly B. F.,Boot and Shoe Manufactory 5 

Sower F. D., Bookseller and Stationer 32 

Stabler W illiam, Druggisrt .24 

Stein D. H., W atch Maker and Jeweler 9 

Stephens & Reed, Dealers in Coal and Wood 10 

Stile R. B., Wholesale Confectionery 23 



CONTENTS. V 

PAGE. 

Swan William, Iron Foundry 20 

Swayne Dr f^ 

Taylor John, Restaurant . . •■ j^ 

Taylor John, Coach Maker 46 

Terrv's Express '^l 

Taylor Robert E., Hat, Cap and Fur Emporium 7 

Trainer L. S., Merchant Tailor. • 42 

AVills M. R., Books and Stationery Second page cover. 

Wells William, Wig and Toupee Maker 4^ 

Wetzel Albert, Merchant Tailor -f o 

Wyers William F., West Chester Academy '"Jr. 

— "^ oO 

' ■■■ 30 



Yerkes W. H., Lawyer. 
Zinnel George, Restaurant. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



CHAPTER I. 

Montgomery County — Statistics — Manor of Norriton — Owned 
by Wm» Penn — Transferred to his Son — Purchased by 
Norris and Trent — Statistics. 

Montgomery County, originally part of the county 
of Philadelphia, was separated therefrom and erected 
into a county in 1784. Its length is 30 miles, bread th 
17, area 496 square miles, or 317,440 acres. Popula- 
tion in 1784, estimated 20,000; in 1790,22,929; in 
1800, 24,150; in 1810, 29,683; in 1820, 35,793; in 
18:^0, 39,406 ; in 1840, 47,241 ; in 1850, 58,291 ; in 
1860, estimated, 70,000. It was settled principally by 
Germans, Swedes, English and Welsh, and contained, 
in 1785, 28 townships, divided into three election dis- 
tricts, one of which was at Norristown. 

This ancient manor may have been the possession of 
a German proprietor, as we find it also called the 
Manor of Williamstadt ; the affix stadt^ being the 
name for city, or town, in the German language. 
The probability is strengthened by the circumstance 
of both Germans and Swedes having effected settle- 
ments long prior to the proprietary grant to William 
Penn, in 1681. Their pioneer m.en explored the wa- 
ters of the Schuylkill, stimulated thereto by the bea- 
ver trade, and thus became cognizant of those situa- 
tions which invited the attention of the settler. It 
is not probable that Penn would have conferred any 
other than an English name, and as he transferred it 
by what appears to have been its German title, there 
is ground for believing that it was previously settled. 



6 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

When, or by whom, its name was changed to Norriton 
does not transpire ; probably by a subsequent owner. 

The Manor of Norriton, originally in Philadelphia 
county, and now, in part, Norriton township, in the 
county of Montgomery, Pennsylvania, was owned by 
Wm. Penn. The boundaries of the township, previous 
to 1812, were identical with those of the manor. Wm. 
Penn, Jr., obtained it of his father, by patent, October 
2, 1704. This liberal donation, for such it was, of 
7482 acres, forming at once a competent and mag- 
nificent homestead, did not satisfy the nature of the 
son's ambition, and his unthrifty, if not debauched 
habits, induced him to part with it in a few days after 
it came into his possession. Upon the 7th of October, 
he sold it to Isaac Norris and William Trent, mer- 
chants of some eminence in Philadelphia, for £850, 
or $3,777,40, if paid as was probable, in sterling money. 

Of this tract, Norris and Trent effected sales of sev- 
eral hundred acres, when the former, in 1712, pur- 
chased what remained of Trent's share for X500. In 
his conveyance to Norris, the bounds of the manor, 
which were those given by Penn's conveyance, were 
thus set forth: — "Beginning at a hickory by the said 
Skoolkill, being the corner of Plymouth township, 
thence northeast by the same township, 950 perches 
to another hickory; thence northwest in the line of a 
tract of land called Whitpain's township, 1169 perch- 
es, to a corner oak in the line of the said Proprie- 
torie's Manor, of Gilberts; thence southwest along the 
said manor line, 1848 perches, to a dog tree by the 
said river Skoolkill, thence down the same river on 
the several courses thereof to the place of beginning." 

Before the separation, by tlie erection of Norris- 
town, of that borough, the township was bounded 
by Whitpain and Worcester townships on the north- 
east, by the river Schuylkill upon tlie southwest, by 
Plymouth township on the southeast, and by Provi- 
dence and Worcester townships on the northwest. Its 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 7 

original area of 7482 acres was decreased to 6962 
acres by taking off the borough of Norristown, in 
1812, and to 5482 acres by the additions to that bo- 
rough in 1853. In 1734, the township contained 20 
land holders and tenants; in 1741, 25 taxables; in 
1828, 245 taxables; in 1849, 380 taxables; in 1858, 
340 taxables. In 1810 it contained 1336 inhabi- 
tants ; in 1820, 1098; in 1830, 1139; in 1840,1411; 
in 1850, 1591 inhabitants, 286 houses, 148 farms; in 
1858, 4 inns, 4 stores, 6 grist mills, 1 plaster mill, and 
5 public schools, with 277 pupils. 

In 1730 its manorial condition was changed to that 
of a township. 



CHAPTER n. 

Nori^istown — Location — Boundary — Taken from Nofriton-^ 
Area in l771 — Bought by Col. John Bull — Sold to University 
— Original plan of Town Lots — Part of Site of Borough pur- 
chased by John Markley — Statii^ticg — Erection of Borough, 
' — Area in 1853 — Face of Country — Compact part of Town 
in I860— tipper and Lower part of Town, contrast — 'Vie-W 
ft'om the Hill. 

NouRiSTOWN was taken from the river front of 
Norriton, and derived its name from Isaac Norris, one 
of the purchaser^ of the manor. It is situated upon 
the left bank of the river Schuylkill, in the south- 
western part of Montgomery county, of which it is 
the seat of justice, IT miles northwest of Philadelphia, 
91 east of Harrisburg, and 21 from the mouth of the 
river. Its latitude is 40^ 7^nortli, and longitude about 
1® 39' east from Washington. It is bounded upon 
the north, northeast and nortliwest by Norriton town^ 
ship, and southwest by the Schuylkill river. It has 
an extent upon the river of two miles, and up the 
slope of the liill and on the elevated plain, nortlnvest^ 
wardly the same distance. 

The site of the town having been part of the pos' 
session of Isaac Norris, Was devised to his son, CharleS 
Norris; upon the death of the latter, his widow 
Mary Norris, sold it. It contained, at that time, 543 
acres, and was sold, with the Island of Barbadoes, in 
the Scliuylkill, containing 88 acres, to John Bull, a 
native of Providence township, for £4600. This pur- 
chase was made upon the 1 7th of September, 1771. 
Mr. Bull) who was a stanch Whig, and subsequently 
held a Colonel's commission in the American army, 
despite liis unfortunate cognomen, suffering, in common 
with many others, from the depredations of the Englisli, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS, y 

farmed the tract during tlie early years of the revo- 
lution. 

From Col. Bull part of the site was purchased for 
the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, by 
the Rev. Dr. Wm. Smith, then Provost of the Insti- 
tution, on the second of November, 1776, for X6000. 
From the University, with certain reservations, it 
came into the possession ot Dr. Smith's son, William 
Moore Smith, who proceeded, in 1784, to layout a 
town, and in compliment to Isaac Norris, called it 

NORRISTOWN. 

The original plan of the town lay between what is 
now Cherry and Green streets, and Airy and Lafay- 
ette streets. Cherry, Green and Lafayette were then 
but alleys, 24 feet in width ; Egypt and Airy were 
the only streets. From Lafayette street to the river 
the land was farmed. The lots upon this plan .were 
of different depths, but a uniform width of fifty feet 
each. Some, most advantageously situated for future 
appreciation, brought four dollars per foot, others but 
one dollar and forty cents. The same lots which sold 
in 1786 at one dollar and fifty cents per foot on Egypt 
street, would now bring, for the same extent, one 
hundred dollars, or more. At that time there were 
sixty four lots laid out. 

The erection of Montgomery county, in 1784, and 
the certainty that Norristown would become the seat 
of justice, stimulated the sale of lots, and it is stated 
that those originally laid out were soon sold, but af- 
ter the first impulse the sales proceeded but slowly, 
and the town did not grow apace. Smith did not 
evince much vigor or liberality of purpose in pushing 
forward his infant town, as he sold his lots "rather 
grudgingly.'' His purchase afterwards coming into 
the hands of John Markley, under his management, a 
more rapid increase took place. 

In 1790 the only building between Lafayette street 
and the river, was Col. John Bull's mill, Avhich stood 



10 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPOET. 

a little above M'Credj's, now Ewing's, cotton factory. 
Mr. Bull then owned the river front, and farmed it. 
From 1790 to 1810, it is stated that only fourteen 
buildings were erected, which, with those previous to 
1790, made thirty-two, and one hundred and sixty in- 
habitants. 

From 1810 to 1820, the population increased to 
827; in 1830 to 1,089; in 1840 to 2,937; in 1849, es- 
timated, 5,568; in 1850 to 6,024. The estimated 
population is now over 11,000. In 1828 it had 231 
taxables; in 1849, 989; in 1858, 1,954. In 1790 it 
contained 18 houses; in 1832, 151; in 1849, 928 ; in 
1850, 1,006. Colored population in 1850, 216. 

Norristown emerged from the condition of a vil- 
lage in 1812, and became a Borough, by an Act of In- 
corporation, of March 31st of that year. An Act in 
1853_ provided for a more enlarged area, when 158 
acres were taken from Plymouth, and nearly 1300 
from Norriton township, by which means the corpo- 
rate limits embrace about 2,000 acres. 

The face of the country upon which the town, now 
beginning to exhibit the characteristics of a city, is 
spreading, has an easy ascent from the river, and like- 
wise slopes off northward and southward towards 
Stony Creek and Saw Mill Run, which flow through 
the borough, into the Schuylkill, about half a mile 
apart. From DeKalb street, above Fenn, the surface 
is somewhat broken, and in some parts abrupt, as it 
extends towards the latter stream, requiring some la- 
bor to render the grades of the streets easy ; whilst 
the approach to Stony Creek, by an uninterrupted 
extension of avenues, is, in some places, rendered im- 
possible by abrupt precipices of almost sheer descent; 
though once beyond the creek, the surface is eligible 
for building purposes. 

These disabilities northward and southward, have 
caused an extension of the town more directly from 
the river, over the more level surface, upon which the 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 11 

neat, and in many instances tasteful, brick mansions, 
present inviting homes. From this more comman- 
ding position, very pleasant views ot the surrounding 
country are afforded ; its easy undulations, covered 
with the quiet green of summer, and thickly studded 
with farm houses and out buildings, embraced within 
a largely extended panorama, render this quarter 
peculiarly desirable for the private residence. 

The principal part of the town lies between the 
two creeks, and the more compact, including the 
squares between Egypt and the river, and Cherry and 
Walnut streets, appears to be bounded by Egypt, 
Cherry, Oak and DeKalb streets, though many fine 
residences are found beyond these bounds. 

The town beyond Airy street presents to a stranger 
a perceptible contrast with the river front. The for- 
mer has an air of almost sylvan quietude ; through its 
avenues we find no hum of business, no rushing of 
vehicles, no throng of dealers, nothing of that busy, 
stirring life which denotes the presence of manufac- 
ture and trade. Below this, manufactures and rail- 
roads give tone to a different picture, in which are 
exhibited the iron sinews of a power guided by human 
skill, yet incomparably beyond man's inferior strength. 
At almost all hours the great, unconscious steam slave 
hisses from the factory wall, or belches his shrill and 
startling wail of warning, or sheds through the dark 
and solemn midnight his glaring light upon the iron 
path, that a daring and indomitable will determines 
he shall traverse. 

From the hill the escape steam can be seen mount- 
ing the air from numerous manufactories, and but few 
.intervals of time can be counted, in which the rum- 
bling of trains, and the engineer's bell, are not heard 
upon either bank of the river, as the lengthened pas- 
senger and coal trains wind their way to the great city, 
that has to be fed, clothed and warmed, by the rapid 
appliances of steam. In Summer, this busy picture 



12 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

has an additional, but more quiet, business feature, in 
the boatman's steadily gliding craft upon the smooth 
bosom of the canal, which less obtrusively and noisily 
pours its tributary trade into the luxurious lap of PhiL 
adelphia. 

From the summit of the hill, say the portico of Mr. 
Ealston's seminary, an extensive view of the valley of 
the Schuylkill affords the lover of the picturesque a 
most attractive expanse of country, teeming with many 
varieties of industrial life. Within the held of view, 
extending far up and down the river, and rounded off 
in the hazy distance by the blue hills of Merion, he 
views a scene in which nature and art are limned in 
one great picture of reposing and moving life. The 
beautiful river, with its winding flow, its bridges, its 
falls, its island of sylvan green — the railroads and 
their swiftly speeding trains, with the cloudy breath 
of the magic horse slowly floating away in the dis- 
tance — the canal and its calmly gliding boats in quiet 
contrast with the clattering swiftness of the car, as if 
bent on the sober errand of peace — the hum of ma- 
chinery along the banks of the river, indicative of the 
thrift and industry that builds cities and clothes na- 
tions — and beyond all, the peaceful homesteads of the 
farmers quietly nestled among the hills, make the 
point of view one upon which the beholder loves to 
linger. 



CHAPTER III. 

Original Settlers — Intercourse — Effect of English Rule — Ex- 
tinction of Language — Depression of Trade — Revival there- 
of— Position [pf Norristown for Trade — Coal Fields — Mills 
— Water — Gas. 

The original settlers of the site and vicinity of Nor- 
ristown, were of various nations ; the Hollander, 
Welshman, Swede, Englishman and German, compe- 
ted for the beaver traffic, or sought the ricli primeval 
forests for settlements, and the more substantial com- 
forts of life. Some of these people purchased exten- 
sive tracts and settled together, long retaining the 
language, manners and customs of their fatherland ; 
others settled by the single family, pioneering- the way 
of civilization, and living inclose proximity to savage 
life. As settlements extended and population increas- 
ed, and the heart of the ancient forest became expos- 
ed to the glaring sunlight in broad and fertile fields 
of waving grain, men's relations and interests chang- 
ed. Traffic and social intercourse invaded exclusive 
custom and religious adherence, and intermarriage 
eventually broke down the strong barriers of nation- 
ality. 

Though among the least for many years, the Eng- 
lish, upon getting governmental rule in Pennsylvania, 
soon made their impress upon the primitive community. 
Their energy triumphed over nearly every thing that 
characterized the representatives of other nations; 
.their laws, language and power, cemented the distinc- 
tive character of the settlers and rendered them suf- 
ficiently homogeneous to harmonize as one people. 

We have, consequently, among tlie descendants of 
those who brought the full flush of aifection for their 
native land to the banks of the Schuylkill, but few, if 



14 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

any, marks by which we can distinguish the Hollan- 
der, the Swede, or the Welshman. Nearly two cen- 
turies and a half have been effective in cementing the 
social compact, and though some of the original names 
of the early settlers remain, many have become mod- 
ified, leaving history, or tradition only, to trace back 
the line of ancestry. 

The foregoing view may be subject to some excep- 
tion. Next to tlie Swede in the tenacity of religious 
faith, the Hollander and his successors in many places 
have not effectually yielded to time. Spread over an 
extensive area in Berks, Lancaster, and parts of 
Montgomery and Chester counties, they have present- 
ed more formidable resistance to the invincible lan- 
guage of Britian. They yet hold, especially in the 
rural districts, a tenacious affection for the mother 
tongue. But the barrier is penetrable ; their lan- 
guage is degenerating to a patois ; the populous cities 
and towns are making rapid inroads upon their last 
defence, and the coming time is inevitable, when the 
English tongue will prevail in all their communities. 

Though somewhat depressed by the financial crisis 
which gave a check to trade within the last few years, 
Norristown is slowly, but effectually recovering from 
its depression ; her recuperative energies, in a brief 
period, will be so thoroughly aroused, as to insure a 
rapid and continuous development of all her business 
departments, and a corresponding enlargement of 
area. It is impossible for such a community, possess- 
ing skill, wealth and intelligence, with a host of ap- 
pliances which tend to prosperity, to suffer long from 
monetary embarrassment. 

Situated in one of the most productive vallies of 
the world, and directly in the channel of its already 
great and increasing trade ; with the rare advantages 
derivable from three rail roads, a canal, and a river 
that furnishes unfiiiling power for the propulsion of 
machinery ; it would be a most unwarrantable conclu- 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 15 

sion to assert that she can remain in a stationary con- 
dition. Eveiy clam upon her great water course has 
arrested the tide of population, gathered upon its bor- 
ders the nucleus of a city, and stimulated every branch 
of human industr3^ The immense fields of coal upon 
the head waters of the Schuylkill, where thousands 
of toiling sinews search their leads, and constantly 
heave their dark masses to the surface, whence are 
fed continuous streams of trade ; the hills which mark 
its course and from which large deposits of iron, lead, 
marble, limestone, slate and sandstone are daily drawn; 
with the products of the farm, the forge, the rolling 
mill, the machine works, the foundry, the loom, and 
numerous other pursuits, give a never ceasing impulse 
to skill, and make the entire valley a scene of unri- 
valled animation and energy. All these ramifications 
of business have told with wonderful effect upon the 
valley, in lining the shores with an ever busy popula- 
tion, contributing to every want and comfort of life. 
The connection of Philadelphia and Norristown by 
one continuous street, is by no means a wild vagary 
of the brain. 

As the town is now rapidly verging to the condi 
tion of a city, requiring all the corresponding appli- 
ances and conveniences, it labors under the defect of 
not having numbers upon its dwellings. Egypt street 
to some extent, is numbered, but a general and appro- 
ved system is necessary. To a stranger, the row of 
unnumbered houses is embarrassing ; in designating a 
locality the want of definiteness is a positive disad- 
vantage. 

Among the great, yet cheapened, necessities of life 
in a dense community, water and gas are prominent; 
scarcely a town of three thousand inhabitants is with- 
out them, and of course Norristown enjoys them. — 
Water, the first necessity, preceded the other, hav- 
ing been introduced in December, 1847. It is thrown 
from the Schuylkill by means of an engine, to the ba- 



1:6 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

sin on the top of the slope, on DeKalb street, about 
half a mile from the dam whence it is taken. Gas was 
introduced in 1853, and extends over and supplies a 
large extent of the town ; except on Egypt street we 
believe the pipes have not been extended beyond the 
creeks. 



CHAPTER lY. 

Schuylkill River — Names — Area of Valley — Sources of Riv 
er — Course — Tributaries — Length — Townships Bordering on 
River — Bridges — Boroughs — Distance of Navigation — Dis- 
covery — Trade — Fish — Dams and Weirs— Canoe and Shore- 
men — Collisions. 

The Schuylkill is a marked feature of the valley and 
the industrial interests ol Norristown and Bridge- 
port. Like its bolder sweeping recipient, tlie Dela- 
ware, the Schuylkill has received from the Indians and 
others a multiplicity of names, gi owing out of those 
similitudes or circumstances which their languages ex- 
pressed. Among those most commonly knoAvn as used 
by the aborigines, was "Maniaunk'' or "Meneiunk," 
signifying 'Mmr place of drinking," or "to assemble to 
drink.'-' They likewise called it "Nittabaconck." — 
Another name is "Ganshowehanne," or ''the noisy 
stream," in allusion to its falls and ripples. The firsc 
of these names was used by them in their deed to Wm. 
Penninl683or 1685. The Swedes called it the 
"Linde Kilen," or "Linden River," on account of the 
vigorous growth of Linden trees upon its banks. Its 
present cognomen was bestowed by the Dutch, from 
the circumstance of its mouth having been concealed 
by several wooded islands, which prevented a ready 
recognition of the place where it flowed into the Del- 
aware. Hence, from the terms "Schuil" or "Schuilen," 
signifying concealed or hidden, and "Kill," a channel, 
stream or river, came Schuil Kil or Schuilen Kit, 
hidden or concealed river. Schuylkill may therefore 
be considered a corruption of orthography. Gov. 
Stuyvesant in 1644 spoke of it as the "Varsche Ri- 
vierte, the little fresh water river." Little Schuylkill, 



18 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

one of its tributaries, was called "Tamaqiion,the Bea- 
Yer Stream," from which is derived our present Ta- 
maqua. 

The area of the Schuylkill basin contains 1884 sq. 
miles, and the head waters of the river are two streams 
in Rush township, Schuylkill county, the prolific re- 
gion of carboniferous wealth. It flows in a south- 
easterly direction through the Blue Ridge, and in its 
course drains portions of Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, 
Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, receiving in 
its course the Little Schuylkill, Bear and Tumbling 
creeks, in Schuylkill county — the Maiden and Tulpe- 
hocken, in Berks— the Manatawny and Perkiomen, in 
Montgomery— the Pigeon, French, Pickering and^Yal- 
ley, in Chester — and the Wissahickon, in Philadelphia, 
besides numerous smaller streams. It empties into 
the Delaware five miles below Philadelphia, flowing a 
distance of 120 miles. In Montgomery county eight 
townships, Pottsgrovc, Limerick, U. Providence, L. 
Providence, Norriton, Plymouth, Whitemarsh and 
Springfield, with the borough of Norristown, border 
upon its left bank, and upon its right, Upper and Low- 
er Merion, and the borough of Bridgeport ; its wa- 
ters washing the county to the extent of 40 miles. 
Within this distance it is spanned by eleven bridges, 
whilst its banks teem with a busy population, and 
contain the boroughs of Phoenixville, in Chester coun- 
ty, Norristown, Bridgeport and Conshohocken, in 
Montgomery. Its sloop navigation extends to Phila- 
delphia only, but artificial means have rendered it nav- 
igable for boats as far as Port Carbon, 96 miles 
higher. 

The Scliuylkill was discovered in the summer of 
1616, by Capt. Hendrickson, a Dutchman, who enter- 
ed its mouth in the yacht Restless, which had been 
built at Manhattan for the purpose of exploration. 
The Dutch established themselves upon its waters, 
originally, as traders, as early as 1633, and dealt 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 19 

largely with the Indians for furs and tobacco. By 
the year 1643 this trade was vigorously prosecuted, 
as in that year no less than 2127 packages of skins, 
and 70,421 pounds of tobacco were shipped to Eu- 
rope at one time. Trade soon sharpened the sagacity 
of the Indians, and as the Beaver became thinned by 
constant and persistent trapping, higher prices were 
demanded; so that in 1648, two skins sold for "one 
fathom of cloth, and one skin for two fathoms of 
white and one fathom of black seawant." 

In addition to peltries, the Dutch did not fail to ob- 
tain liberal acquisitions of land upon "the rippling 
river," for which cargoes of merchandise were ex- 
changed. 

To the early settlers the finny tenants of the Scuyl- 
kill afforded an important supply of food and much 
attention was paid to the means of obtaining them ; 
as they were e:sceedingly abundant, but little difficul- 
ty existed in seducing them from their retreats. It 
is related that an individnal known by the sobriquet 
of Old Shrunk,in 1683 caught 3000 shades, or shad, in 
one night, with a scoop net} and a Capt. Smith, 600 
catfish at one draught of his net. 

Among the means resorted to by the settlers for 
securing fish, were dams thrown across the channels 
of the streams, upon which were erected weirs, vari- 
ously constructed, though often of the twigs of the 
willow, through which the water readily flowed, but 
which, by its position, retained the fish. These be- 
ing a great convenience to the people, were in time 
multiplied to so great an extent, as to be a source of 
contention as the country became more thickly settled. 
Those who settled upon the higher waters of the riv- 
er, in Berks county, having no readier means of ac- 
cess to market for grain, and other products of the 
soil, than the river, upon which their canoes were nav- 
igated, found the fishing dams most grievous obstruc- - 
tions to their passage. 

The clashing interests thus made up, led to strong 



20 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

complaints on the one hand, and immovable obstinacy 
on the other, and collisions followed the mutual ha- 
tred that was engendered. Many years of contest 
lollowed between the owners of the dams and those 
who demanded a free navigation, and from 1731 to 
U40, the river war was waged with great bitterness. 
The canoemen, often in danger of losing their car- 
goes by their unstable craft lodging upon the dams, 
resorted to the expedient of breaking through the ob- 
structions and forcing their passage. To protect their 
dams the shoremen frequently concentrated their for- 
ces, so that it became customary, upon the approach 
of a fleet of canoes, to enter into a contest, in which 
clubs, stones and fists were the effective weapons. In 
these fights the shoremen, from superiority of numbers, 
were generally victorious, and maintained their dams 
in defiance of all opposition. 

In order to protect their cargoes from the more 
forniidable shoremen, and secure an unobstructed pas- 
sage to market, the river, or canoemen, would often 
concentrate in turn, and float down the stream in 
fleets, armed with axes, and breathing vengeance a- 
gainst all fish dams, racks and weirs. The approach 
of a canoe fleet towards one of these obstructions, 
was the signal for a melee, and many an ''honorable 
scar" attested the bravery of the belligerents. The 
perils of river navigation, in time, became the theme 
of song, familiar to every household ; the leading 
champions of the numerous conflicts were extolled by 
the excited parties, and their exploits grew into fam- 
ily tradition. But, like much of such unstable and 
perishable history, they have found a fate in the qui- 
et pool of oblivion. Some idea may be formed of the 
character of these encounters, when it is stated that 
upon one occasion two hundred shoremen assembled 
at the mouth of Pickering creek, to resist a public of 
ficer who had been authorised to remove the obstruc- 
tions of the river. 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 21 

But the canoemen eventually found an ally too for- 
midable to be resisted by their enemies; having made 
energetic and persistent remonstrances to the govern- 
ment, in which their grievances were fully set forth, 
that power came to their aid. Though an act, against 
the erection of dams, racks and weirs, had been pass- 
ed by the council in 1683, it remained almost wholly 
inoperative, as no great inconvenience was felt at so 
early a date. But imperative necessity induced the 
passage of subsequent acts especially applicable to 
the Schuylkill, and one with suitable penalties was 
passed in 1730, and amended and strengthened in 
1734. But notwithstanding the stringency of these 
measures, the war continued with more or less asper- 
ity, the shoremen in numerous instances continuing to 
resist both the law and the canoemen. So strong did 
the contest eventually become, that in 1769 John 
Penn, then Lieut. Governor, issued a proclamation for 
the more energetic enforcement of the laws against 
obstructions to the navigation of the river. 

The shoremen were eventually conquered, aftei' a 
contest of nearly half a century. 

But the days of Penn passed away and with them 
many of the necessities for unobstructed navigation. 
Inexorable trade eventually defied all his laws and 
proclamations. The energetic spirit of the capitalists 
would not let a few fish debar improvement upon a 
river presenting so many fine seats of propelling pow- 
er, and dams and mills in time diverted its sylvan 
flood to the driving of machinery. The banks of the 
stream became lined with a busy population ; the hum 
of the throstle and the loom echoed among the hills, 
where once the fisherman's song died away in the 
merry days, when, from the well filled net, he threw 
his struggling prizes, glittering in the morning sun, 
upon the pebbled shore. 

Canals and railroads rendering channel navigation 
altogether unimportant, the scenes of strife became 



22 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPRRT. 

effectually closed against too belligerent neighbors ; 
the whistle, wild and shrill, and tho boatman's mel- 
low horn, succeeded "the signal sounds of strife," and 
the ponderous train and smoothly gliding boat have 
become the familiar characteristics of a more enlight- 
ened age. 



CHAPTER Y. 

Indian Tribes — Settlers — English — -Welsh — -Settlements in 
Merion and Gwynedd — Episcopalians and Friends — Ger- 
mans — Swedes — Settlement of Vicinity of Bridgeport. 

The tribes found upon the shores of the Delaware 
and Schuylkill, when civilization first trended its rapid 
way towards their head waters, belonged to the great 
Algonquin race. They spoke a common language, 
though somewhat modified by dialects springing from 
yariations of locality, intercourse with neighboring 
tribes, and the adoption of phrases from the fragments 
of stranger tribes that sought their protection or al- 
liance. In their own emphatic and figurative lan- 
guage, the Grand Council House extended from the 
eastern bank of the Hudson on the northeast, to the 
Potomac on the southwest. Within this extensive 
sweep of forest and river, various tribes dwelt ; exer- 
cising the right of possession by the robust title that 
nature assured ; and from them, by treaty and pur- 
chase, were derived all titles which the representatives 
of the various nations of Europe possessed, in first 
peopling the country. 

The principal tribes upon the waters of eastern 
Pennsylvania belonged to the Lenni Lenape, a subdi- 
vision of the Algonquins, their name denoting "origi- 
nal people," expressive of an unmixed race. The 
Lenapes were composed of three principal nations ; 
the Unamis or Turtle tribes, the Unalachtgosor Tur- 
keys, and the Monseys or the Wolf tribes. These 
were also divided into subordinate tribes, receiving 
various names, many of which yet live in our streams 
and localities. The Unamis and Unalachtgos swept 
from the Kittatinny, or Blue Mountains, to the Poto- 
mac, and from the seaboard to tlie Alleghanies, and 



24 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

were undoubtedly the same who looked with wonder 
and awe upon those who came to trade for their furs 
or people their forests. 

The tribes were, to some extent, nomadic, occasion- 
ally removing from one locality to another, as more 
plentiful supplies of game invited them. Though the 
Lenape, or Delawares, as they were called by the set- 
tlers, were those who trod the forest upon the shores 
of the Schuylkill, the names of tlie tribes which might 
have been more especially the denizens of Merion 
and Norriton, if such a term was applicable to them, 
are not now known ; though it is probable that the 
Minquas and Shackamaxons had their hunting grounds 
there. But the history of what was then deemed of so 
trifling importance, of course has no record ,and even 
tradition fails to speak. Where probably the cautious 
moccasin of Tedeuscung, or the great Tamenend, 
brushed from his winding paths the morning dew, now 
looms the thronged avenue, the home of refinement and 
wealth; and the solitary spots where he cast his line 
in the quiet pools of his beloved river, have but few 
forest shades now to invite to solitude as in his day. 
Oivivilized man cares but little about the romance or 
adventures of aboriginal life, in the busy tumult that 
destiny allots him, and through which he pursues his 
way to fortune. 

The English and Welsh settlers, whose country 
was destined to impart vigor to almost every enter 
prise in the Western World, and whose domineering 
prowess ruled its destinies, came over in straggling 
numbers, previous to the arrival of Penn in 1682. 
English families settled at Salem, New Jersey, in 
1675, and some explorers at the same time, entered 
the Schuylkill, but were expelled by the Dutch and 
Swedes, who were jealous of any other competitors 
for the trade of that river. Fenn's adventurous step, 
impelled, in part, by an abiding religious principle, to- 
gether with the expectation of pleasant and fertile 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 2o 

possessions, stimulated emigration after his arrival. 
Their homesteads, derived under the authority of 
the English crown, gave them the assurance of a 
secure title, and they doubted not that the peaceful 
principles of their proprietor, to which they adhered, 
would soften the harsher features of savage charac- 
ter, and kindly intercourse enable them to dwell at 
peace with the native. In this they were not disap- 
pointed ; no people were more successful in concilia- 
ting the good will of those who claimed their title 
from the Great Spirit. 

Of the original settlers, the Welsh claim priority 
of time over the Swedes. They came into Merioneth, 
or Merion, about the year 1683, having effected a 
purchase of William Penn of 40,000 acres before 
leaving England ; and in 1698, 10,000 acres were 
purchased in Gwynedd township, and settled upon 
the following year. The larger part of the first 
mentioned tract was in Merion, though it extended 
into Chester county, and the owners gave the name 
there to Tredyffrin. The former of these names, 
both having been bestowed by the Welsh, is a con- 
traction of Merionethshire, in North Wales, the home 
of many of the settlers. Merioneth was the name 
first used to distinguish the settlement, and was used 
by Gabriel Thomas in a map executed in 1696. By 
the year 1728, and previous to the division of the 
township, the further contraction, Merion, was ap- 
plied and became a permanent name. 

The Welsh tract was purchased in 1682, and by 
1708 had become populated by an industrious and 
thriving people, Rowland Ellis in 1696 and 1697 
having'brought in two hundred emigrants. Having 
settled down to the less romantic pursuit of hus- 
bandrv, the forest yielded to their sturdy arms ; well 
cultivated fields and comfortable homesteads in a few 
years rewarded their toil. It is said of them by Old- 

2* 



26 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

mixon, ''Wherever tliey come it is not their fault if 
they do not live, and live well; for thej^ seldom spare 
for labor, which seldom fails of success.'' 

Of the names of the settlers we find the following 
still perpetuated: — Roberts, Evans, Jones, Thomas, 
Havard, Hughs, Llewellen, Hum|)hrey, Williams, Grif- 
fith, Pugh, Phillips, Tucker, John, Lloyd, Price, 
David, Be van, Harry, Rapy, Rees, Jordan, Dodmead, 
Edwards. 

Wherever the Welsh settled improvement followed 
and plenty smiled. They have materially aided in 
developing the agricultural resources of the Morions. 
In this noble work they were found by the Swedes, in 
the vicinity of the site of Bridgeport, in 1712, and 
they have since increased and spread, forming at the 
present time in their descendants, a large proportion 
of the population. 

Though the early emigrants were from North 
Wales, principally, other parts of England sent out 
their emigrants, who settled with their brethren in 
Montgomery. They were bound not merely by the 
tie of a common country, but by that of religion, and 
were mostly of the denomination of Friends. Hence, 
we find the more euphonious names of other districts 
of England mixed with those of the consonant loving 
Welsh. 

There seems to have been a singular contrast of 
religious opinion among the Welsh ; for, whilst the 
greater part were Friends, many were Episcopalians, 
and there were persistent efforts on both sides to fix 
their faith permanently. Nor does it appear that con- 
versions were, to either of these markedly distinct de- 
nominations, difficult to accomplish. It is related of 
Cadwallader Evans, a man of eminent merit, and ah 
Episcopalian, wlio was accustomed to go to the house of 
Robert Evans, his brother, where he read the bible, 
that upon one occasion he was passing the road that led 
to the place where the Friends were accustomed to 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 2i 

worship, and, in his own language, "ho was impressed 
to go down and see how the Quakers did." At the close 
of his own meeting at the liouse of his brotlier, he 
communicated his impressions to his brethren, and 
thej agreed to go to the Friend's meeting upon the 
next occasion ; they did so, were received with the 
kindness so characteristic of these people, that ever 
after they worshipped with them. Upon the other 
hand, the Rev. Evan Evans, an Episcopalian clergy- 
man, makes mention, in 1707, of having won over 
Eriends to the communion of the Church of England. 
Though often distinguished by High and Low Dutch, 
the former being under the jurisdiction of the Ger- 
manic Confederation, and the latter under that of 
Holland, the German and Dutch essentially belong to 
the great Germanic family, with some modification of 
language. They consequently mixed together in this 
country with but little affectation of superiority on 
the part of the former. The Hollanders being a 
more commercial people, and first in the field of ex- 
ploration, reached America before their more inland 
kinsmen. They claim to have visited the Delaware, 
or South Eiver, in 1598. Settlements were made 
upon it in 1623, by Cornelius May; from the Dela- 
ware settlements they found their way up the valley 
of the Schuylkill as early as 1633. 

Of the Germans, about twenty families settled at 
Germantown in 1683, and continued increasing until 
they extended their settlements, in the early part of 
the eighteenth century, beyond the Welsh lines in 
Gwynedd, establishing themselves in the upper part 
of Montgomery, principally in the townships of 
Hanover and Frederick. They took up lands in the 
valley of the Perkiomen in 1700, extending in 174.0 
into Berks and other counties. They have not yet 
been precipitated into the great English crucible, 
which melts national characteristics into a common 
mass. These people were Protestants and are still 



28 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

divided into organizations known as Lutheran, Ger- 
man Reformed, and Mennonists, or German Baptists. 

The discovery of the Hudson, or North River, in 
1609, by Hendrick Hudson — the founding of a settle- 
ment at New Amsterdam, the site of New York city, 
in 1612 — the extensive powers of the West India 
Company of the United Netherlands in 1621 — the 
taking possession of territory with no deiinite limit, 
in 1623 — the establishment of trading posts on the 
Delaware, or South River, by Captain Cornelius 
May — the settlement of Swanendael, oi' Valley of 
Swans, near Lewistown, in 1631, by Captain De Vries, 
with a few other inconsiderable settlements, which 
proved to be failures, wore considered by the Dutch 
amply sufficient to constitute a proper claim to the 
country from their possessions upon the North River 
to Cape Cornelius, or May, upon the embouchure of 
the Delaware. They claimed, in the days referred 
to, "as large a charter as the Avind," and manifested 
a spirit of hostile jealousy towards adventurers of 
other nations. Yet, during these periods, the Dutch 
could hardly be siid to have settled, so far as the 
Delaware river was concerned ; their posts having 
been for the most part, of a trading character, having 
reference rather to the acquisition of fortunes through 
the peltries of the natives, than the establishment of 
settled domain and the prosecution of agricultural 
pursuits. 

In this condition of things, the Swedes entered the 
Delaware in 1637 or 1638,undei- the lead of Peter 
Minuit, who had previously been in the service of the 
Holland company. Tlie policy of these people was 
the conciliation of the friendship of the natives, in 
which they were eminently successful, from whom 
they purchased the land upon the west side of the 
Delaware, from Cape Hcnlopen to the falls at Tren- 
ton, and westward of the river 40 miles This ter- 
ritory they called New Sweden. Under these auspi- 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 29 

ces Christina, afterwards Wilmington, was founded, 
and in 1643, Gov. Printz, a choleric Swede, who was 
said to have weighed nearly four hundred pounds, 
made a settlement at Tinicum, a few miles above 
Chester, where he erected a fort and a commodious 
mansion, and drew a number of his countrymen around 
him. Emigrants continuing to arrive, Mocopanaca, 
the site of Chester — Coaquennack, the site of Phila- 
delphia, also Kinsessing, became settlements. In the 
interim the Dutch were not idle, but planted them- 
selves at New Castle, and other points ; and individ- 
ually and by families, settled in all the Swedish colo- 
nies upon the river, without fear or molestation. 

Had the ambition of the Dutch and Swedish rulers 
remained quiescent, their people could have readily 
fraternized, lived in harmony and flourished under 
laws common and applicable to their condition. There 
was no national hatred among the masses, and but few 
jealousies, the prominent having been connected with 
their competition for the Indian trade. But the rest- 
less spirit of Stuyvesant, Governor of New Amster- 
dam, determined him to obtain complete jurisdiction 
over the settlements upon the Delaware. With a suf- 
ficient force in 1655, he sailed up the river, overcame 
all opposition, and established the jurisdiction of the 
Dutch wherever he appeared. The triumph, howev- 
er, was of no great magnitude ; the Swedes, though 
defeated, were not conquered. They made their sub- 
mission, but their franchises were not interfered with, 
and being superior in numbers, in most of the colonies,' 
they gave tone to their communities. Recognizing 
the legal authority of their conquerors, their influence 
nevertheless prevailed ; and their customs, language, 
religion and social order, were respected and obeyed. 
Though leaders contended, the mass of the people 
extended settk^ments and plied the arts of peace, and 
the representatives of the two nations occupied the 
shores of the Delaware in common, until 1644, when 



'3t) NORRISTOWX AND BRIDGEPORT. 

the Englisli put an end to national strife, by wresting:: 
New Amsterdam and its dependencies from Holland. 

From the Delaware colonies offshoots upon the tide of 
adventure soughtthe shores of the Schuylkill for lands 
and homes, as well as the prosecution of the beaver 
trade, for which its waters were long in high repute. 
A constant friendship with the Indians secured com- 
plete success in this trade, notwithstanding the vig- 
orous competition of the Dutch: it is stated by Haz- 
ard, that "in the first year of their traffic, the Swedes 
exported 30,000 beaver skins.'' The precise dates of 
the settlements upon the Schuylkill can only be ap- 
proximated, as pioneer individuals and families pre- 
ceded formal explorations, and traditionary times and 
circumstances are mainly lost in the vista of time. In 
the absence of precise date it is known that families 
gradually worked their way up stream, as nccassity 
stimulated or inducement led, regardless, at so early 
an' age, of any importance attached to their move- 
ments. We find, however, that in 1653, Queen Chris- 
tina of Sweden, granted to Lieut. Swen Shute an am- 
ple tract of land, running from the Delaware to the 
Schuylkill, comprising the delta now known as Moy- 
amensing and Passyunk, as well as the entire site of 
Philadelphia, and which is believed to be the first 
title to the site under governmental authority. 

From the records of the Court of Upland in 1677, 
the following lands upon the Schuylkill had their titles 
confirmed under the governorship of Sir Edmund An- 
dross; Jan Schoeven 100 acres, west side; Kichard 
Duchet 100 acres, east side; John Mattson, Swen 
Lom and Lace Dalboo, 100 each at Weissakitonk, 
Wissahiccon ; Peter Rambo 250 acres ; Benj. Good- 
man 100 acres ; Lace Colman, Pelle Laerson and 
Peter Erickson, 100 acres each, near Falls of Schuyl- 
kill. In 1678, Thos. Nassitur and Wm. Warner, each 
200 acres ; Oele Uoecker and Henry Tedway, each 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 31 

300 acres, and Matthias Claassen Holstein, Edmund 
Draufton, Wm. Orian, Epliraim Herman and Matthew 
Allin, each 100 acres. 

The above list could be greatly extended, but 
enouo'h is given to draw the conclusion that some of 
these families were identical with those who came in- 
to Upper Merion and Norriton in 1712, and, having 
acquired means by industry and thrift in their original 
settlements, were enabled to purchase larger tracts in 
the vicinity of Bridgeport and Norristown. It is sta- 
ted that some settled in Upper Merion in 1705. The 
families principally mentioned, among the many who 
sought lands there in that year, are Mats Holstein, 
Peter Rambo, Gunnar Rambo, Peter Yocum and 
John Mattson. These families lound a few Welsh 
settled upon the shore, though the Indians claimed a 
general ownership and largely prevailed in numbers. 

Holstein and his friends procured by treaty and 
purchase from 800 to 1000 acres each, along the wes- 
tern bank of the river, their tracts extending as far 
down as the upper boundary of Lower Merion, and 
some distance into the forest. Holstein's tract lay far- 
thest up the river, containing the site of Bridgeport, 
with several adjacent farms. In 1714 he built a stone 
house upon his land about one mile from the river, in 
which he lived during his life time, the walls of which 
are still standing, having been built upon and added 
to several times. It is now occupied by A. J. Ander- 
son, Esq. In 1696, M. Holstein had a family of sev- 
en persons. Contiguous to and below Holstein's, lay 
Gunnar Rambo's tract, upon which Christ Church 
was afterwards built by the Swedes, and which yet 
remains a memento of more primitive days. A por- 
tion of the estate went to his son Ezekiel Rambo. A 
part is now owned by William B. Rambo, upon which 
same valuable lime quarries are successfully worked. 
Gunnar Rambo represented Philadelphia county in 
the Provincial Assemblyin 1685--in 1696 he had six 



32 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

in family. Peter Rambo's came next to Gunnar's 
tract, containing 800 acres. A large part of it is in 
possession of one of his lineal descendants, the wife 
of Chas. Henderson, Esq. Yaluable beds of iron ore 
and limestone have been discovered upon it. Peter 
Yocum adjoined Peter Rambo, a part of his posses- 
sions being yet in the hands of his descendants. Six 
voters, of the name of Rambo, yet remain in Upper 
Merion. A part is owned by Robert T. Potts, Esq., 
and another part by the Swede Iron Company, which 
they occupy with their works and improvements. In 
1696, Peter Yocum had nine in family. Lastly, and 
extending to the lower line of Merion, came John 
Mattson's tract, who gave name to the ford which be- 
came a prominent crossing point over the Schuylkill. 
The village of Oonshohocken, upon the left bank, is 
at one end of the old ford, where the river is span- 
ned by a bridge, now known as Mattson's Ford 
Bridge. It is stated by Mr. Buck, that the Mattson 
tract ''was divided among four sons," but that none of 
it is now possessed by any of his descendants, and in 
the list of voters for Upper Merion, in 1858, not one 
of the old family name can be found. In 1696, John 
Mattson had eleven in family. 

We find it stated that Mattson'S Ford had a dis- 
tinguished prominence given it by the passage of Wash- 
ington's army, upon the night of the 12th of Decem- 
ber, 1777, to take up Winter quarters at Yalley 
Forge. This is evidently a mistake, and has been 
confounded with the fact that the army crossed there 
upon several other occasions. Well authenticated 
history, as well as reliable tradition, establish the 
Swedes' Ford as the memorable point. 

Though living within a narrow range, in regard to 
luxury, the Swedes, in their river settlements, had 
much to make their condition comfortable. Ad- 
ditional to the products of their farms, the river 
and the forest abounded with food, the acqui- 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 33 

sitioii of which, in consequence, became a favorite 
pursuit ; the excitement of the hunt, which in primi- 
tive days drew largely upon the energies and skill of 
the hunter, gave a zest to that which Avas the reward 
of the forest march and the dangerous encounter. 
Hence, hunting and fishing were favorite employ- 
ments, as well as amusements, and furnished abun- 
dance of wholesome food to the humblest household. 
These pursuits, too, have their traditions, rife with 
perilous risks upon the trail of the more formid- 
able tenants of the wood, and marvelous encounters 
and escapes have been handed down. 

The manners and customs of the Swedes were long 
preserved in their settlements ; but as Welch, Ger- 
mans and others, were neighbors, with whom family 
relations were entered into, modifications gradually 
took place. The most formidable inroad was made 
by the English, who eventually, to a large extent, 
triumphed over all that was dissimilar in social and 
political life. The Swedish language, which was 
used in the pulpit, yielded likewise to the fiat of time, 
and the descendants of the Holsteins and the 
Eambos, eventually forgot the tongue of their fore- 
fathers. By the year 1760 their dialect was 
characterized by a marked change, and the English 
language finally became the one used in their 
churches and families. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Bridgeport — Boundary — Holstein Tract — Transfer — Upper 
and Lower Part of Borough — Real Estate — Population — 
Revolution — Passages of the Schuylkill — Howe's Encamp- 
ment — March to Valley Forge. 

Bridgeport is situated upon the right bank of the 
Schuylkill, in the county of Montgomery, directly 
opposite Norristown, with which it is connected with 
two bridges, ono over the river at De Kalb street and 
one at the Swedes' Ford. The borough was organ- 
ized by an act of Assembly, passed February, 1851. 
Perry M. Hunter, L. E. Corson and Alexander Sup- 
plee, Commissioners appointed for the purpose, at 
once proceeded to lay it out. Its first officers were 
elected in the ensuino: March, and consisted of Wash- 
ington Eichards, Burgess ; A. Weaver, Town Clerk ; 
Jacob M. Hurst, Treasurer ; Cadwallader Evans, 
Owen Raysor, Jacob M. Hurst, Francis Lylc, and 
David H. Major, Town Council. 

Bridgeport has but a brief history, having sprung 
into existence within the last eight years ; its growth 
having been stimulated by purchasers of land, who 
offered, by low prices, inducements for many of their 
neighbors upon the opposite of the river to secure 
residences.' Placed likewise in the stream of trade 
between Philadelphia and the coal region, and being 
virtually the terminus of a railroad into Chester 
county, manufacture and trade are extending their 
strong and active power towards a rapid extension of 
the place. 

The boundaries of the borough are thus described 
by act of Assembly : — "Beginning at low water mark 
of the river Schuylkill, in said township of Merion; 
thence on a line dividing lands of C. Evans 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 35 

and the Schuylkill Navigation Company, south 
20 degrees, 20 minutes, west 34.2 perches, to a 
point in a public road to the Great Valley; thence 
along the middle of said road, south 65 degrees, 
40 minutes, west 165.5 perches, to a point in 
the middle of a road leading to Swedes' Ford 
road ; thence along the same, south, 26 degrees, 
35 minutes, west 156 perches to a point in lands of 
Henry Norwick ; thence north 66 degrees, east 73 
perches, to a point in a line between lands of John 
and Lindsay Coates, thence by lands of Samuel 
Coates, south 83 degrees, east 145.4 perches to a 
point ; thence by lands of said Samuel Coates, north 
63 degrees, 30 minutes, east 253 perches to low 
water mark of the river Schuylkill aforesaid, and 
along and up said river t!ie several courses thereof to 
the place of beginning, which shall be called Bridge- 
port." 

These limits embrace part of what was originally 
the Holstein tract, and the part upon which the 
borough is thus far built is upon that portion known as 
the Swedes' Ford tract, the ancient ford having been 
established about midway of the river front of Hol- 
stein's original purchase. This Holstein tract origi- 
nally embraced 800 or 1000 acres and was pur- 
chased of the Welsh and Indians by Matts Holstein 
in 1712. Of this, Bridgeport embraces about 400 
acres, the larger proportion lying beyond the borough 
is now owned as farm property by Stainline, Supplee 
and others. These 400 acres were left by Matts 
Holstein to his son Andrew Holstein, and the portion 
outside the borough went to another son, Matthias 
Holstein. 

Andrew Holstein left his part to his son Peter 
Holstein, and from Peter it descended to his daughter, 
Mary Holstein. Mary intermarried witli Levi Bartle- 
son, and from this point the tract began to be divided 
and fall into other hands. Daring Barfcleson's life 



36 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

189J acres were sold to William Lane, and from him 
they went by purchase to James Philip Delacour, 
who sold from it 166 acres to General Da Portail, a 
French officer in the American service, in 1795. Du 
Portail left America for France, and never returned, 
the history of his fate having been unknown. The 
purchase remained unclaimed for some years; taxes 
having accumulated upon it, it fell into the hands of 
the Sheriff, and was purchased by Elisha Evans; from 
him it came into the possession of his son, the- pre- 
sent Cadwallader Evans, who laid out the upper 
part of Bridgeport in 1825, and contributed largely 
to its improvements. His residence at the corner 
of De Kalb and Second streets, is upon the upper 
part of the tract, the boundary of which is the same 
as that of the upper boundary of the borough. 

The remaining part of the tract around Swedes' Ford, 
that Bartleson got possesion of by intermarriage with 
Mary Holstein, was purchased by Jesse Roberts in 
1795 which he held until 1800, when he sold it to 
Samuel Holstein. From Samuel Holstein it went to 
his son, the late Major Matthias Holstein, who occu- 
pied the hotel at the ford, and had charge of the ferry 
for several years. The water at this place was 
oftentimes too deep to justify the act of fording, 
when the ferry proved the only available means of 
passage. In 1806, Samuel Henderson became the pur- 
chaser of it, held it a short time, and sold it to Jacob 
Ramsey, who lived upon it until his death in 1827, 
after which it passed back again into the Henderson 
family. It was purchased by Col. Jas. Bush and John 
Freedley in 1846, who sold much of it for improve- 
ments, and it thus became divided among numerous 
hands. The old tavern property is still retained by 
Col. Bush, who resides thereon. Freedley and Bush 
laid out the lower part of the borough. 

The streets running parallel to the river, are Front, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUCxHS. 37 

Second, Third, and np to Tenth, which is the south- 
western boundary of the borough. DeKalb and Front 
as yet are the principal streets, and contain some line 
buildings. 

In 1856 the real estate was valued at $197,817 ; 
horses and cattle $2,492. In 1859 the real estate was 
valued at $250,000 ; tax levied for borough purposes 
$11,000; bonded debt of the borough $3,568,00. 

From 1830 to 1840, the houses increased to 53, 
and about 300 inhabitants ; in 1850 they numbered 
about 100, and 572 inhabitants. It is now estimated 
to have 280 houses, 250 taxables and 1400 inhabi- 
tants. 

Memories of the stern period of the revolution clus- 
ter around the valley of the Schuylkill, and its fords 
have been frequently crossed by retreating and pur- 
suing foes; whilst varied personal adventures have 
made them familiar to tradition. After the defeat of 
the American army at Brandy wine, upon tlie 11th of 
September, 1777, upon the 21st of the same month 
the British army, under Sir Wm. Howe, maneuvered 
upon the fords of the Schuylkill, in Montgomery and 
Chester counties, to reach Philadelphia. It is a won- 
der he did not go by way of Harrisburg and Eead- 
ing, so strong was his love of detour. At the latter 
date, his line of encampment extended from Fatland 
ford to Fr.ench creek, the right resting upon and cov- 
ering the ford. The American army had retreated 
to Chester, thence by way of Philadelphia and the 
Falls of the Schuylkill, having crossed the river to 
and from the eastern bank, and awaited Howe in the 
vicinity of the Warren tavern, in Chester county. 

The march of the American army to the Falls of 
Schuylkill, was made so as to operate for the defence 
of the fords, the supposition being that the English 
would cross at the Falls, Matson's or Swedes' ford. 
Howe's delay induced the march of the American 



38 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Commander into Chester county, to offer battle once 
more for the protection of Philadelphia. 

After the failure, in consequence of a storm, to en- 
gage the enemy successfully, Washington moved 
towards the Schuylkill, on the 17th, marching north- 
ward, by way of Yellow Springs, and crossing at 
Parker's ford on the 19lh, encamped upon both sides 
of Perkiomen creek. Upon the approach of the 
English he drew his forces farther up the river. 

Upon the night of the 22d, Howe passed his right 
wing over Fatland, and his left over Cordon's ford, 
and marching down the left bank of the Schuylkill, 
encamped with his left resting upon the river, above 
Swedes' ford, and his right upon the Manatawny 
road, now known as the Cermantown and Perkiomen 
turnpike, with Stony run in front. In this position it 
is evident that Howe's encampment was upon the site 
of Norristown, probably about where Swede or De- 
Kalb street now runs. As his left rested upon the 
Schuylkill and his front upon Stony creek, he was ev- 
idently prepared to receive the American army, 
should it advance upon him. The proximity of Wash- 
ington, but seven or eight miles above him, on the 
Perkiomen, rendered this probable. But the Ameri- 
can commander did not deem the position of his en- 
emy favorable for attack by his weakened and badly 
equipped forces. Wayne and Smallwood's brigades 
had not reached him after the massacre of Paoli, and 
reinforcements on their way from New York and New 
Jersey had failed, as yet, to join him. His troops, too, 
were badly armed, without tents or pi'oper clothing, 
and often destitute of food. These, with fatiguing 
marches, rendered an attack but a fool hardy opera- 
tion, resulting in certain and disastrous defeat. A 
council of war, however, was called, "which concurred 
in the opinion of the General, "not to march against 
the enemy, but to allow his harassed troops a few 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 39 

days for repose, and remain upon liis present ground 
until the expected reinforcements should arrive." 

Had Wasliington been in a condition to attack 
Howe at Stony creek, the site of Norristown would 
have been the theatre, in part, of a thrilling and san- 
guinary contest ; for the American chief was as re- 
markable, when once determined upon, for the energy 
and vigor of his onsets, as for his prudence in avoid- 
ing a battle when defeat was probable, or being drawn 
into a perilous position by the skillful strategy of an 
enemy. Though defeated at Germantown, the dispo- 
sitions of Washington's plan of battle were highly 
symmetrical and masterly, and at once calculated to 
secure success. The incidents productive of his de- 
feat, were beyond the control of the most consummate 
skill, and too long for notice here. 

Upon the fords where it was supposed Howe's for- 
ces would attempt a crossing, troops had been posted, 
but of such inconsiderable number as to make a very 
ineffectual resistance. At Swedes' ford, Gen. Arm- 
strong had been ordered to throw up breast works 
upon the left, or eastern bank, to cover the fording. 
The details of this labor were entrusted to Gen. Du- 
Portail, a very skilful Frenchman, in the service of 
Congress, who, by the time Howe's columns reached 
the river, was prepared to dispute the passage of the 
ford, having prepared redoubts half a mile in length, 
to command its approaches. But Howe's march upon 
Fatland and Gordon's, rendered DuPortail's labors 
useless, as his position was completely turned. 

The vicinity of Norristown, after the conflict at 
Germantown, was the scene of a painful and melan- 
choly movement. Upon the issue of that day Wash- 
ington retreated into Whitemarsh township, and re- 
mained encamped there until the inclemency of tlie sea- 
son made it imperative that the army should go into 
winter quarters. Yalley Forge was decided upon as 
the most eligible locality, and upon the 11th of De- 



40 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

cember, the army took up the line of march. Wash- 
ington's design was to cross to the right bank of the 
river at Matson's ford, over which he had caused a 
bridge to be thrown for the purpose, but having thrown 
his advance across, he found Cornwallis in possession 
of the defile upon the west bank. Supposing that 
commander to be in full force, though indeed the Eng- 
lish troops were only foraging, and unaware of the 
American movements, Washington recalled the troops 
which had crossed and moved up to Swedes' ford 
where he effected his passage. 

Weary, footsore and suffering, the blood of naked 
and frozen feet tracking the way, upon the night of 
the 12th of December, the armxy crossed the ford, to 
find the spot ^vhere disease and famine were to be the 
stern familiars of the soldiery for the bleak months to 
come. Yalley Forge was reached on the 18th. 

In remarking upon Washington's crossing at Swedes' 
Ford, Mr. Buck, in his history of Montgomery county, 
says : "The passage was effected by making a bridge 
of wagons backed upon one another ; the late Major 
Holstein, then a lad, witnessed the crossing." 



CHAPTER Vll. 

Union Canal — Canal from Philadelphia to Norristown — First 
Excavation for Canal in the States — Effect of Coal Mining on 
Trade of River— Schuylkill Navigation Company — Rail Road* 
— Norristown Rail Road — Reading Railroad — Chester Valley 
Railroad — Norristown and Allentown Railroad. 

Railroad and -water communication being of com- 
manding importance to the valley of the Schuylkill, 
the subject occupied the attention of the leading minds 
of the province, at quite an early period. Wm. Penn 
in 1690, spoke of the practicability of connecting the 
Susquehanna and Schuylkill rivers, by a canal to one 
of the branches of the latter. To the British mind 
the subject was a novel one, and public necessity in 
America did not then suggest any practical movements 
of such a nature. By the year 1761, the views of 
David Rittenhouse and Dr. Wm. Smith, of the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, and subsequently those of 
Robt. Morris, Robt. Fulton and others, more fully 
awakened public attention to the utility of inland nav- 
igation. 

The first attempt to make river communication 
more effectual, was by an act of Assembly, dated 
March 14, 1761, in which it is recited, that "Where- 
as, the river Schuylkill is navigable for rafts, boats, 
and other small crafts, in times of high freshets only, 
occasioned by the obstruction of rocks and bars of 
sand and gravel, in divers parts of the same; and 
whereas, the improving the navigation of the said 
river, so as to make it passable at all times, will be 
very advantageous to the poor, greatly conducive to 
the promotion of industry, and beneficial to the in- 
' habitants residing on or near said river, by enabling 



42 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

them to bring the produce of the country to the mar- 
ket of the city of Philadelphia, and thereby increase 
the trade and commerce of the province. And where- 
as, divers of the inhabitants of this province, desirous 
to promote the welfare of the public, have subscribed 
large sums of money for the purpose aforesaid, and, 
by petition to the Assembly, have requested that com- 
missioners may be appointed by law to take, receive 
and collect the said subscriptions, and such others as 
shall hereafter be given or subscribed, and to apply 
and appropriate the same, for and towards the clear- 
ing, scouring and rendering the said river navigable, 
as aforesaid &c." 

Fifteen commissioners were appointed by the As- 
sembly to carry the act into effect, but as nothing of 
consequence was effected, a new board was constitu- 
ted by the same authority in 1773. 

In 1762, David Rittenhouse and Dr. Wm. Smith, 
surveyed and leveled a canal route, to connect the 
Susquehanna and Schuylkill rivers, by means of the 
Swatara and Tulpehocken creeks ; the former a trib- 
utary of the Susquehanna, the latter of the Schuyl- 
kill. This was the first survey for a canal in the col- 
onies, and the route, in part, was subsequently used in 
connecting the two rivers by means of the Union 
canal, running from a point four miles below the city 
of Reading, to Middletown. 

The project, bold at that period, of uniting the two 
rivers, was commenced by the passage of the Act of 
September 29tli, 1791, which provided for the organ- 
ization of a company under the lead of Robert Mor- 
ris, David Rittenhouse, William Smith and others ; 
"about a century after William Penn's first prophetic 
intimation.'' Upon the 10th of April, 1792, another 
company was authorized to effect a junction of the 
Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, by a canal to extend 
from Philadelphia to Norristown, seventeen miles in. 
length. In addition to this object, it was designed to 



HISTOEY OF THE BOROUGHS. 43 

make the improvement a means of supplying water to 
the former city. As an important link, the Schuylkill 
river was to be improved temporarily, leaving to time 
and more matured experience more enduring labors. 
Thus, it will be seen, that under the auspices of these 
two companies, an inland water communication, from 
Philadelphia to Middletown, was contemplated ; and 
their expansive views, in the enthusiasm of the time, 
reached even to the extension of the navigation as 
far as lake Erie and the Ohio river. 

Experience, that deals with theories with such ter- 
rible severity, soon convinced the leaders of the two 
companies, that to render navigable the Swatara and 
Tulpehocken and temporarily improve the Schuylkill, 
were undertakings to which their means were by no 
means adequate. Upon a survey of tliese difficulties, 
the company of 1791 abandoned its route, and be- 
came associated with that of 1792, which, under the 
advice of its engineer, had determined to push ita 
improvement to the Susquehanna, estimated at 70 miles, 
but what route was adopted does not appear. The 
two companies commenced active operations at Phil- 
adelphia in the direction of Norristown, and nearly 
completed 15 miles of the route through rock exca- 
vation, deep and extensive cuttings, with locks con- 
structed of brick, and heavy embankments, at an ex- 
penditure of $440,000— about $29,333 per mile, when 
the embarrassments of the companies, in 1794, com- 
pelled a suspension of the work. From 1795, fre- 
quent attempts were made to resume it, but, though 
the State subscribed $300,000 to aid its completion, 
it was eventually abandoned. 

Matters were thus held in abeyance until 1811, 
when the two disappointed companies were united 
under the title of the Union Canal Company ,with 
authority to extend a canal from Philadelphia to lake 
Erie ; also to make such further extension as might 
be deemed expedient. In the years 1819 and 1821, 



44 NOBRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

the State aided the company by a guarantee of the 
payment of interest upon its debt, and a monopoly of 
lottery privilege, which, with additional subscriptions 
of stock, enabled it to resume operations in 1821. 
The line was completed in 1827, having been re-lo- 
cated and the dimensions of the canal enlarged. Thus, 
in 137 years from the period of Penn's suggestion, 65 
from the time of Rittenhouse and Smith's survey, and 
36 from its actual commencement, the work ol con- 
necting the Susquehanna and Schuylkill was success- 
ful. The entire route, about 82 miles, cost nearly $2,- 
000,000. 

The eastern section undertaken by the compa- 
nies of 1791 and 1792, and extending from Philadel- 
phia to the Swedes' Ford, 15 miles, was never com- 
pleted. In reference to this work, Mr. Day remarks : 
"It was on the river bank at Norristown, that the 
spade was set to excavate the first public canal in the 
United States. The canal was to be taken to Phila- 
delphia on the same level, without a lock. The 
ancient excavation still remains below Norristown." 

The completion of the Union canal, but partially 
effecting the leading object of those who originally 
projected the great chain of inland routes, the navi- 
gation of the Schuylkill next became an object of at= 
tention ; in consequence, the Schuylkill Navigation 
Company was incorporated by the Act of March 8th, 
1815. To secure a more marked local interest and 
the better to guard against the failure of completion, 
the company was required to work simultaneously at 
both ends of the line. The wisdom of such a require- 
ment was somewhat problematical, as no part of the 
work could be advantageously used and turned to 
profit, previous to its being finished. The Legisla- 
ture probably had in view the $440,000 previously 
thrown away between Norristown and Philadelphia. 

Perhaps no events have given so great a stimulus 
to speculation in Pennsylvania, as the discovery of 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 45 

the igniting propei'ty of coal, and the means of a 
ready transportation to market. The rugged hills of 
the upper region of the Schuylkill, unfitted for culti- 
vation, over which few human footsteps but the hun- 
ter's roamed, became the scenes where capital nerved 
the arm of sturdy adventure and rapidly penetrated 
to seams from which fortunes were to flow. Cities, 
towns and villages, sprung up like bubbles upon the 
wave; a teeming population gave life to the solitudes of 
the wilderness, and all the appliances of civilization 
and refinement, soon abounded amid regions whose 
wild features had hitherto been but the familiars of the 
storms and lightnings of time's speeding centuries. 

The valuable improvements of the Schuylkill Navi- 
gation Company extends from Philadelphia, by way 
of Bridgeport and Norristown, Pottstown, Reading 
and Potts ville, to Port Carbon, in Schuylkill county, 
where the coal basins of that region, in part, pour 
into the channels of trade their exhaustless tribute of 
carboniferous wealth. The whole route, 108 miles 
in length, was finished in 1826, at a cost of $2,966,- 
480 — over $27,000 per mile. It has a series of 63 
miles of canal, some stretches of the river being nav- 
igable, and 45 miles of slack water pools, made by the 
construction of 34 dams. One of these dams was con- 
structed upon the Schuylkill, at Norristown, between 
Barbadoes Island and the bridge at DeKalb street, 
which also furnishes propelling power to several mills. 
The work also contained, originally, 109 locks, each 
80 feet long and 17 broad, with an entire ascent of 
620 feet. In consequence of the increase of the coal 
trade, the size of the canal was enlarged in 1846. Its 
width was increased from 36 to 60 feet, and its depth 
from 3 J to 5 J feet, which gave it capacity to carry 
boats of 186 tons, instead of 60, to pass its entire 
length. The locks also were reduced in number to 
71, enlarged in width to 18 feet, and in length to 
110. To su})ply a sufficiency of water, dams were 



46 NOREISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

constructed upon some tributary streams in Schuyl- 
kill county; that upon Silver creek covering sixty 
acres. 

Partially completed in 1818. a few boats descen- 
ded, the tolls amounting that year to but |233; until ^ 
1824 no particular record of tolls was kept, but during 
that year only $635 were realized. The successful 
commencement of the line may be dated in 1825, 
when the tolls amounted to $15,775, of which $9,700 
were for coal; the tons transported were 6,500. From 
that time, with a few exceptions, there was a steady 
increase of coal transportation, amounting in 1826 to 
16,776 tons; in 1827 to 31,360; in 1828 to 47,- 
284; in 1829 to 79,973; in 1830 to 89,984; iu 
1831 to 81,853; in 1832 to 209,271 ; in 1833 to 252,- 
971; in 1834 to 226,692; in 1835 to 339,508; in 1836 
to 432,045 ; in 1837 to 523,152 ; in 1838 to 433,875 ; 
in 1839 to 442,608; in 1840 to 452,291; in 1841 to 
584,692; in 1842 to 540,892; in 1857 to 1,275,988. 
The valley of the Schuylkill, for furnaces, forges and 
manufactories is estimated to consume 450,000 tons of 
coal annually. We close this article by a prophecy 
from the pen of Mr. Buck, which we trust ma}- be re- 
alized : — "We really believe the day is not far dis- 
tant, when this line will be further enlarged, and that 
vessels of 250 tons will ascend, by steam or other- 
wise, as far as Port Kennedy, where they will load 
and return to the ocean, to discharge their freight at 
the cities of our sea-board. Young reader, you may 
live to see it !" 

The most important chain of communication east- 
ward from the borough of Norristown, and of greater 
intrinsic value than any other to its travelling facili- 
ties, is the Philadelphia and Norristown Railroad. 
This enterprise, so essential to the prosperity of the 
place, was commenced in 1831, and opened for 
travel as far as Germantown the ensuing year, witli 
a novel display of horse cars. In the fall of 1834, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 47 

it was opened in a similar manner to Manayunk. 
Upon the 15th of August, 1835, it was formally 
opened to Norristown, 21 miles in length, at a cost of 
$1,811,000, the trains having beendrawn by the more 
effective power of steam. The day of its opening, one 
proper for festivity and rejoicing, was thus honored 
by the citizens ; an era in metropolitan life that was 
to stimulate anew their local prosperity. The hi- 
larity, in view of a pleasant and rapid means of com- 
munication with the City of Brotherly Love, can 
readily be imagined, as of a character at once hearty 
and spontaneous. Gracefully winding, for most of 
the route, along the sinuosities of the Schuylkill, 
through the villages of Conshohocken and Mana- 
yunk, it commands the tonnage of much of the 
manufacturing and agricultural industry along the 
river. 

The profits of the road exhibit an encouraging in- 
crease. The receipts of the road in 1854 were 
$244,566; in 1855, $259,089; in 1856, $287,261; 
in 1857, $312,958; in 1858,' $279,589 ; in 1859, 
$288,657. Expenses in 1854, $230,098; in 1855, 
$195,614; in 1856, $207,615; in 1857; $424,439; 
in 1858, $194,259 ; in 1859, $178,582. The divi- 
dends on stock in 1854 were $70,971 ; in 1855, $71,- 
041; in 1856, $90,663; in 1857, $120,997; 1858, 
$128,053; in 1859, $121,427. The number of passen- 
gers carried to and from Norristown in 1854, was 
160,607; in 1855, 151,440; in 1856, 184,624; in 
1857, 203,079 ; in 1858, 180,196; in 1859, 178,174. 
The number of passengers carried upon the road in 
1854, was 861,764 ; in 1 855, 902,040 ; in 1856, 1,131,- 
385; in 1857, 1,269,725: in 1858, 1,237,342; in 
1859, 1,584,165. The road is equipped with 17 en- 
gines, varving in weight from 22,100 lbs. to 44,800 
lbs. 

The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, ramify- 
ino- into the coal reo-ions of Schuvlkill and other 



48 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

counties, and skirting the right bank of the river 
opposite Norristown, through the borough of Bridge- 
port, presents another rapid and effective means of 
communication from the two boroughs up and down 
the valley of the Schujdkill. The company was 
chartered upon the 4th of April, 1833, and the road 
placed under contract from Philadelphia to Potts- 
town, the ensuing year. The road was opened to 
Reading, 59 miles, upon the 9th of December, 1839, 
and to Pottsville, 98 miles, in 1842 ; the total cost 
having been $19,262,720, nearly $19,656 per mile. 
Says Mr. Buck, the event of the opening "was cele- 
brated with military display, and an immense pro- 
cession of 75 passenger cars. 1255 feet in length, 
containing 2150 passengers, three bands of music, 
with 180 tons of coal, part of which was mined the 
same morning, 412 feet below the water level." 

At Bridgeport the company have a commodious 
depot, and a water tank, elevated upon stone pillars, 
to supply the engines. The gradients of the road 
in the direction of Philadelphia are so light that im- 
mense quantities of coal are rapidly transported to 
that city by a single locomotive not unfrequently 
drawing 95 loaded cars, and it is asserted that 155 
loaded cars have been thus drawn. So great are the 
means of the company for the business of transpor- 
tation, that if all its engines and cars were joined to- 
gether in one train, they would extend over a dis- 
tance of 15 miles. 

The Chester Valley Railroad, extending from 
Downingtown to Norristown, now has its eastern 
terminus at Bridgeport, and is worked by the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad Company. Its western 
terminus connects with the Pennsylvania railroad at 
Downingtown. The road is 21 miles in length, and 
affords a ready access to market to the farmers of 
Chester county upon its route. It was opened upon 
the 12th of September, 1853. 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 49 

A few years since a company was chartered to con- 
struct a railroad from Norristown to Allentown, on 
the Lehigh river, by way of the valley of the Perki- 
omen ; as yet no part of the work is under contract. 
This improvement would open a fertile region, abound- 
ing also in mineral wealth. It would give the citi- 
zens of the county a more direct communication north- 
ward, to the upper waters of the Delaware and the 
city of New York. We believe the company keeps 
up an organization, watching and waiting for more 
propitious times, in which to complete their labors. 
May such speedily arrive. 

3* 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Churches — Swedes — Friends— Episcopalians — Methodists — 
Baptists— Presbyterians— Catholics— German Reformed. 

The Swedes were eminently a religious people, car- 
rying with them into their settlements an operative 
kindness and good will to all, and a magnanimous 
sense of justice in their dealings. The ministers of 
their religion, who adhered to the doctrine of Martin 
Luther, generally accompanied their brethren, admin- 
istering to their spiritual wants, and living among 
them as their prominent counselors and teachers. 
Wherever these' men have labored they have won 
the confidence and regard of all, by the unswerving 
fidelity of their office, and the christian example of 
their lives. 

In their settlement upon the Schuylkill, at Bridge- 
port, in 1712, the want of spiritual teaching was 
somewhat severely felt, no church being nearer than 
that at Wicaco, Philadelphia. Having no regular 
ministrations they met for some years at one anoth- 
er's houses, where the more prominent laymen con- 
ducted service, though occasionally families would go 
in canoes to Wicaco, to hear the Rev. Andrew San- 
del and Jonas Lidman. The settlement was visited 
by the Rev. Samuel Hesselius, previous to 1735, and 
by his advice a school house was erected in that year 
upon Gunnar Rambo's tract, now the site of the vil- 
lage of Swedesburgh, adjoining the eastern line of 
Bridgeport; no regular preaching was supposed to have 
been had tncre prior to 1750, though services were 
held twice a year, in which lay members officiated. 
JVlarriages, baptismal and other rights, for tlie com- 
munity, were performed at the mother church at Wic- 
aco, now Philadelphia; the congregat'ons of Merion 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 51 

and Kingsessing having been united to that church, 
formed one mission. 

The Swedish mission comprehended the churches of 
Christina, in Delaware; Wicaco, Kingsessing and Up- 
per Merion, in Pennsylvania, and Raccoon and Penn's 
Neck, in New Jersey. The clergy consisted of three 
rectors, and in later times a minister extraordinary or 
common assistant. These received their appointments 
from the Swedish government, which always mani- 
fested a proper regard for the spiritual welfare of its 
subjects in America. One of the ordinary pastors 
was also provost, or commissary, having a degree of 
superintending authority over the whole mission. 
The crown gave the minister extraordinary £33 J ster- 
ling, per annum; the commissary £50, and every mis- 
sionary £50, for expenses of voyage. 

On the 7th of May, 1758, the congregation pur- 
chased the lot upon which the school house stood, of 
Ezekiel Rambo, Gunnar's son, to whom that part of 
the estate had descended, for the sura of £11. The 
trustees. Andrew Holstein, Peter Rambo and George 
Rambo, were parties to the deed for the church, which 
was entitled the "Swedish Lutheran Congregation;" 
it granted to them in fee a certain lot, or acre of land 
therein described, in trust, as follows: -'In trust, nev- 
ertheless, for the use of the said Lutheran congrega- 
tion, their heirs and successors forever, and that for 
the use of the burying ground, a church, a school 
house and other buildings hereafter to be erected 
thereon, as the said congregation and their successors 
forever shall or will think meet or proper; and for 
no other use, intent, or purpose whatsoever.'' 

The church was dedicated, under the title of Christ 
Church, upon the 24th of June, 1760; the Rev. Chas. 
Magnus ^Yrangel preached upon the occasion. He is 
described as having been a popular preacher, posses- 
sed of ''a winning and captivating eloquence," and 
often compelled to preach in the open air from the 



52 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

number that flocked to hear him. Until 1768, the 
year in which he returned to Sweden, and was there 
made a Bishop, he preached in the new church accep- 
tably, at which times many of the congregation wend - 
ed their way to church in canoes. Be preached at 
Christ church once a month, the churches at Wicaco 
and Kingsessing having been included as part of his 
charge. 

Mr. Wrangel was succeeded by the Rev. Andrew 
Goeranson, who came from Sweden in 1766, and 
preached until the close of 1779, frequently aided by 
the Rev. Chas. Lute, of the Episcopal church, who was 
appointed assistant in 1774. The Rev. Matthias Uult- 
gren succeeded in January, 1780, and continued his 
ministrations until 30th of May, 1786. In July of 
that year the Rev. Nicholas Collin, who was sent to 
America in 1770, took charge of the mission and con- 
tinued until the period of his death at Wicaco, in 
1831. Throughout his ministry he was held in high 
estimation and respect both by his congregation and 
the public. Mr. Collin was frequently aid ed by the Rev. 
Messrs. Joseph Clarkson, Slater Clay, Joseph Turner, 
J. C. Clay, James Wiltbank and M. B. Roche. Dr. 
Collin was succeeded by the Rev. JehuC. Clay, whose 
successor was Rev. Edwin N. Lightner, who in turn 
was succeeded by the Rev. Wm. H. Rees. 

Upon the lOtli of September, 1787, the congrega- 
tion obtained an amendment to their charter, ena- 
bling them to elect their Rector, who had until that 
time been appointed over them. The amendment 
provided that ''such Rector or other Minister, shall 
be in the Ministry of the Lutheran or Episcopal 
churches.'' The union which had existed between 
the Gloria Dei Church, (Wicaco) the Church at King- 
sessing and Christ Church, which had been but nomi- 
nal prior to 1765, was rendered more complete during 
that year by a Propiietary Act, and continued until 
1843 J it was then dissolved by an Act of Assembly, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 53 

through the united petition of the congregations, and 
each one became an independent Church. The church- 
e? of Wicaco and Kingsessing afterwards united, but 
Christ Church has continued its independent and prim- 
itive character, except some modifications of time and 
circumstance. 

The peaceable principles of the Friends were prob- 
ably taught upon the continentin 1675, as a settlement 
was made by them at Salem, in New Jersey, in that 
year. Many came into the country cotemporary with 
the Episcopalians, as the North Britons, or Welsh, 
who settled Merion and Gwynedd, were divided be- 
tween the two sects. It is probable that the Welsh, 
previous to emigration, were attached to the Church 
of England, but won over by the enthusiastic efforts 
of Fox. For this they suffered persecution, though 
many had a lingering attachment to the ritual and 
Church which they left. These circumstances may 
account for the readiness of the change, among the 
settlers, from the one denomination to the other. 

Robert Townsend, an eminent Friend, settled in 
Germantown in 1688, and it is probable that about 
the same time others found their way into Plymouth, 
Merion and Gwynedd. Plymouth meeting was set- 
tled in 1688 ; the meeting house in Lower Merion 
was built in 1695 ; Gwynedd Monthly Meeting was 
first held on 22d of 12th month, 1714, or 1715. It 
is under the authority of this Monthly meeting that 
the meeting in Norristown assembles. The members, 
previous to the building of a house in the borough, 
worshipped at Plymouth, and as those in the borough 
did not increase to any extent, no place of worship 
was erected until 1852. In that year, through the 
exertions, principally of Lindley Rossitor, of Norris- 
town, who purchased the lot upon his own responsi- 
bility, a comfortable meeting house was built for the 
convenience of the local membei-sliip. The meeting 
comprises about 114 members. 



54 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

The following is the minute of Gwynedd Monthly 
Meeting, held at Gwynedd, 29th of 4th month, 1852 : 
"The subject of the establishment of a meeting, pro- 
posed to be held in Friends' new meeting house in the 
borough of Norristown, being introduced by the fol- 
lowing address, signed by members residing in said 
borough, and vicinity; upon consideration the meeting 
united in judgment that the application be granted, 
and that an Indulged Meeting be there established^ 
under the care and direction of this Meeting, to com- 
mence on First day, the 16th of next month, 5th 
month, 1852, at ten o'clock in the morning, and the 
following named Friends appointed a committee to 
attend said meeting, in conjunction with a similar com- 
mittee of women Friends, from its opening, until I'e- 
leased by this meeting, and make report as way may 
open : — Jonathan Lukens, Salathiel Cleaver, William 
Foulk, Jonathan Jones, Silas Walton, Samuel Lukens, 
David Jones, Thomas F. Baynes, John Conrad, Wm. 
Zornes, Charles Shepherd, Cadwalader Foulk, Jesse 
Hammer, Joseph Foulk, Isaac Jones, Joel Lane, 
Amos Phipps, John Wilson and Wm. Halowell. The 
committee appointed by the women's meeting, con- 
sisted of Martha Cleaver, Elizabeth Foulk, Mercy 
Yerkes, Hannah Foulk, Mary J. Ambler, Mary 
Jeans, Mary C. Lare, Ann L. Hamor, Elizabeth Lu- 
kens ; to which were added, 6th month 3d, Rachel 
Maulsby, Mary Cleaver, Susanna Phipps, Sarah Mc- 
Kiggin." 

The address, on the part of Friends at Norristown, 
is as follows : — "To Gwynedd Monthly Meeting : — 
Dear Friends : The members of the Society of Friends, 
whose names are hereunto annexed, residing in the 
borough of Norristown and vicinity, having duly con- 
sidered the question, whether the time has not arrived 
when a meeting of Friends should be regularly open- 
ed and established, on First days, in the new meeting 
house of Friends, at this place, are united in judgment 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 55 

that it would be riglit to request the Monthly Meeting 
to take such action in the case as may be consistent 
with the pointings of Truth. Norristown, 4th montli 
24th, 1852. Signed, Lindley Rossitor, Samuel Foulk, 
Robert Iredell, Wm. L. Paxson, Mary A. Davis, Mary 
Roberts, Sarah Ann Shoemaker, Sarah L. Jones," and 
forty-six otliers. 

A meeting for worship, upon the Fifth day of the 
week, excepting the weeks in wliich the Preparative 
and Quarterly Meetings are held, was also granted, 
and the first one commenced Ninth month 7th, 1854. 
From the minutes of the Committee, dated Eleventh 
month 1st, 1854, it is stated, '-We believe these 
meetings have been owned in the Truth, and have 
proved satisfactory to Friends and others who have 
attended them" 

According to the foregoing grant of the Monthly 
Meeting, the meeting at Norristown is an hidulged 
Meeting, which is properly a part of the mcmbeiship 
of Plymouth. Norristown meeting, therefore, does 
not exist as a distinct organization, but all matters of 
discipline are referred to the proper jurisdiction of 
Gwynedd. To use the woi'ds of a Friend, ''An In- 
dulged Meeting is a meeting for worship, which is the 
most important of any, and established for the benefit 
of members who live remote from the Preparative 
Meeting, where they belong. According to the con- 
nection and subordination of such a meeting, as set 
forth by the Discipline, it may be set up or laid down 
as other meetings." 

We learn that application has been made to the 
Monthly Meeting, on the part of Friends, at Norris- 
town, for their meeting to be changed to a Prepara- 
tory Meeting, to be set off from that of IMymouth, 
and arrangements are being made for the purpose, 
when the Trust under which the meeting is now held, 
will pass from Gwynedd Monthly Meeting, to Norris- 
town Preparatory Meeting. 



56 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

The Episcopalians, nearly coeval in tlieir settlement 
with the Friends, embraced within their church nearly 
all the Welsh settlers in Gwynedd, and a respectable 
proportion of tliose that settled Merion, Radnor and 
Tredyffrin. Their tenets were consequently taught in 
Montgomery, in 1698. Among the prominent adher- 
ents of the early church in Gwynedd, may be enu- 
merated Wm. Jones, Thomas Evans, Robert Evans, 
Owen Evans, Cadwalader Evans, Hugh Griffith, 
Robert Foulk and Robert Jones. Some of their an- 
cient churches are yet standing, the one at Radnor 
having stood 143 years; the edifice which this super- 
seded was built of logs. 

Norristown had no house of worship in 1811 ; the 
Academy upon Airy street previously subserving re- 
ligious purposes, and the Episcopalians were probably 
among the religious pioneers of the borough, as their 
church was organized on the 17th of December, 1812, 
and they erected an edifice in 1814. Their church is 
on Airy street above DeKalb, built in the Gothic 
style, dQ by 109 feet and capable of holding five hun- 
dred persons. 

The first rector was the Rev. Jehu C. Clay, who 
came in 18 '4; the second, the Rev. Thomas P. May, 
who came in 1817, and died September 20th, 1819; 
the third, the Rev. Bird Wilson, who, at one period, 
was President Judge of the judicial district composed 
of the counties of Chester, Delaware, Montgomery 
and Bucks, came in 1819 ; the fourth, the Rev, Dr. 
Jehu C. Clay, returned in 1822 ; the fifth, the Rev. 
John Reynolds, came in 1831 ; the sixth, the Rev. 
Nathan Stem, came in 1839. Mr. Stem continued 
until his death, which took place November 1st, 1859. 

'J'he first vestry of the church named in the charter, 
consisted of Francis Swayne, Bird Wilson, Levi Paw- 
ling, Henry Friedley, Matthias Holstein, John Zeiber, 
George W. Holstein; the trustees constituted by the 
same irstrument, were Francis Swavne. Bird Wilson, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 57 

Lewis Pawling. The first meeting of the conoTe,i2,a- 
tion to elect wardens, was August 12, 1813, when 
Francis Swayne and Bird Wilson were chosen. The 
charter of the church is dated 1812, given in the time 
of Gov. Simon Snyder. A commodious parsonage, in 
a pleasant position, stands beside the church edifice. 

Occasional sermons by Methodist ministers fi-om ad- 
joining circuits, had been preached in Norristown, some- 
time previous to the organization of a society. The 
Rev. John Finley, then in charge of Germantown cir- 
cuit, organized the first society in 1832, which consist- 
ed of the following persons, viz : Jolm Supplee, Eliza- 
beth Supplee, David Vaughn, Rebecca Haldeman, 
Mary Jones, Sarah Jones, Mary Yarnall, Elizabeth 
Hodgkins. In the latter part of the year 1834, the 
society obtained a lot on Main street, near Arch, and 
commenced the erection of a stone church. The base- 
ment of the church was dedicated on New Year's day, 
1835 ; Rev. Joseph Lybrand preached the dedication 
sermon. Immediately after the dedication. Rev. Wil- 
liam K. Goentner was appointed to supply the pulpit, 
under whose labors during that winter about one hun- 
dred were added to the church. 

The following are the names of the ministers who 
have been stationed here, from the commencement up 
to the present date, viz : 

1835, William K. Goentner. 

1836, Henry G. King. 

1837, Henry G. King and John L. Taft. 

1838, John Lednum. 

1839, George Barton. 

1840, John A. Roach. 

1841, James Neill. 
1842 David Shields. 

1843, Robert McNamee. 

1844, William Bishop. 

1845, John D. Curtis. 

1846, Daniel L. Patterson. 



58 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

1847, Joseph J. Elsegood. 

1848 and 1849, Thomas C. Murphy. 

1850 and 1851, Peter J. Cox. 

1852 and 1853, Henry S. Atmore. 

1854, Joshua Huraphriss. 
During this year a portion of the membership with- 
drew anrl organized a new society, afterwards known 
as the "0 ik street M. E. Church." Where the names 
of two ministers appear in connection with the charge 
the same year, Noristown was connected with other 
appointments, and called a circuit. 

The pulpit of the old church, after the division, was 
supplied as follows : 

1855 and 1856, Mahlon H. Sisty. 

1857 and 1858, Joseph S. Cook. 
During the pastorate of Rev. Joseph. S. Cook, the 
new church on DeKalb street was built. It was dedi- 
cated by Bishop Scott, on the 21st day of November, 
1858. It is a neat brick edifice 75 feet deep by 50 
feet front, in which the society now worship, the old 
church having been sold, and now being occupied 
as a feed store The present pastor. Rev. J. W. Me- 
caskey, was appointed in the Spring of 1859. 

The Oak Street M. E. Church, as has already been 
remarked, was formed by a portion of the member- 
ship withdrawing from the old society in 1854. This 
society was organized by Rev. John D. Curtis, (then 
presiding elder on the Reading district) on the23d of 
June, 1854. 

Soon after the organization, they obtained a lot on 
Oak street, between DeKalb and Swede,on which they 
erected a neat and commodious brick edifice, 53 feet 
front by 73 feet deep. The following are the names 
of the ministers appointed to the Oak street charge, 
from its commeneement to the present date : 

1854 and 1855, John F. Meredith. 

1856, James Y. Ashton. 

1857 and 1858. James H. Lightbourn. 

1859, John Thompson. 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 59 

The first colored Methodist Protestant Ehenezer 
church, is situated on Arch street, in the northeast 
suburb of Norristown. It is a stone building, erected 
in the autumn of 1853, at a cost of $875.00.' Rev. A. 
S. Driver, President of the Pennsylvania district, of- 
ficiated at the laying- of the corner stone and the dedi- 
cation. Rev. Thomas Gibbs was in charge, at that 
time ; in 1854, Rev. A. S. Driver was pastor, and con- 
tinued one year, since which the Rev. Samuel H. Amos 
has been the pastor. 

The Baptist church of Norristown had its origin 
in a series of meetings in the fall of 1832, conducted 
by Elder J. S. Fletcher, Elder Nichols, Wm. S. flail, 
and Dr. Brantley, which were he id in the Court House 
and Academy. Interest was thereby excited, mani- 
fested by some overt acts of opposition, whilst several 
on the other hand professed conversion. On the 12th 
of December of the same year, the church was organ- 
ized, partly from Baptists resident in the town, aug- 
mented by a number who transferred their member- 
ship from the Great Valley and Roxborough churches. 
For some months the congregation worshipped in va- 
rious public buildings. In 1833 a lot upon the corner 
of Swede and Airy streets was purchased, and an edi- 
fice erected at a cost of $7000. The edifice was plain, 
quadrilateral, built of the sandstone #und in the vicin- 
ity, rough cast, and surmounted by' a belfry. A few 
years later a gallery was erected."^ 

In 1846, part of the ground on which the church 
edifice stands, and which was used as a burial ground, 
was sold, and a Cemetery lot of two acres purchased 
at a cost of $600. The spot is an elevated one on the 
Sandy Hill road, and affords a fine view of the sur- 
rounding scenery. Upon the meetino- house lot a neat 
parsonage was erected, at a cost of $2200. In 1850, 
a legacy having been left for the purpose, the edifice 
was enlarged and improved ; its length increased and 
a new cupola erected over the front, having an alti- 



60 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

tu le of 100 feet. The enlargement gave the house 
a length of 78 feet, width 48 feet, and contained a 
vestibule, baptistery, new pulpit, a lecture room capa- 
ble of holding 200 persons, and a room for the con- 
gregation, to accommodate 500. The exterior was 
stuccoed in imitation of granite, and the building en- 
closed by a substantial iron railing. The improve- 
ments of 1850, cost between $3000 and $4000. 

Elder Wm. Jordan preached regularly after the or- 
ganization, though not constituted pastor. H. 0. 
Wyer, preached from July to October, 1834; and 
Charles Wilson appears to have been the first duly 
elected pastor, serving from September, 1835, to De- 
cember, 1837 ; David Bernard from March, 1838 to 
April, 1841 ; Samuel Aaron from April, 1841 to 1844 ; 
Isaac A. Hobart, from January, 1845 to July, 1846; 
Hiram Hutchins, from Nov., 1846 to Dec, 1849 ; John* 
Duer preached several months, but was not chosen 
pastor : Edward Cornwall was pastor from Nov., 1850 
to June, 1852 ; Roswell Cheney from May, 1854, to 
May, 1859 ; the present supply is Rev. T. J. Thomas. 
The number of members at the period of organiza- 
tion was 38, at the present time 275. This church 
has long been known for its uncompromising senti- 
ments on the sutbject of oppression and intemperance, 
and for its open l^vowal, from the pulpit, of opposition 
thereto. 

The Baptists are the only denomination as yet or- 
ganized in Bridgeport, the congregation having been 
formally constituted in 1849, in which year the church 
edifice Was built. The building is of stone, plastered, 
forty by fifty-two feet in dimensions. The churcn 
was organized in 1850, with but fifteen members, un- 
der the pastorship of the Rev. Wm. Smith. His suc- 
cessor was the Rev. David Carnahan, who in turn 
was succeeded by the Rev. Charles J. Thompson, the 
present pastor. The communicants now number 136. 

Deacons~B. F. Hancock, Ii:ii G. M'Cai'ter. 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. Gl 

Trustees— B. F. Hancock, Eli G. M'Carter, Win. 
Swan, Sylvester Makens, H. E. Newberry. 

The church has two Sabl)ath schools under the su- 
perintendence of Wm. Swan and B. F. Hancock, con- 
taining 200 pupils. The schools meet every Sabbath 
afternoon at 2 o'clock. 

The time of service in the church is every Sabbath 
morning, at 10| o'clock; prayer meetings are held 
Sabbath mornings before church service, at 9| o'clock, 
and every Wednesday evenino- ; likewise every Satur- 
day evening for conference and prayer. Communion 
service is held upon the hrst Sabbath of every month. 

The elements of which the First Presbyterian cliurch 
was formed, were collected into a congregation about 
the year 1814, by Rev. Jolin Jones, who at that time 
was principal of the Norristown Academy. They 
usually met in the Academy for worship. 

In 1815 a church edifice was erected on the site of 
the present building. The congregation had not a 
settled pastor for some time after the church was built, 
but enjoyed the ministrations of Mr. Jones, Rev. Jos. 
Barr and others ; Mr. Barr was at that time pastor 
of the churches of Providence and Norriton. 

On the 4th of Sei)tember, 1819, Rev. James P. 
Wilson, D. D., acting under the direction of the Pres- 
bytery of Philadelphia, organized a church out of 
these congregations, which took the corporate name 
of "The First Presbyterian Church at Norristown." 
On the same day Robert Hammill, Ulrich Shlater, 
and Hugh Dixon, were elected elders and ordained to 
the ofiice. 

As this church was formed mainly from the congre- 
gations of Providence and Norriton, Mr. Barr assum- 
ed the pastorate, aad continued in charge until 1823, 
when he resigned. Rev. Charles W. Nassau was call- 
ed to the charge of this chuich, in connection with 
those of Norriton and Providence soon after. He 
continued pastor until 1828, when in consequence of 



62 NOBRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

ill health he resigned. The congregatiori remained 
without regular ministrations until November, 1834, 
when Rev. Robert Adair was installed. His connec- 
tion with it continued until 1837, when he was called 
to a church in Philadclpliia. 

The congregation now sought the serA^ces of Rev. 
Samuel M. Gould, a native of Maine, and being satis- 
hed with his style of pulj3it ])erformances, tendered him 
a call. The second Presbytery of Philadelphia, under 
whose care the church now was, after examining Mr. 
Gould, as to his theological views, refused to adnnt 
him, and place him over the church ; whereupon tlie 
congregation, at a meeting held in March, 1838, resolv- 
ed to withdraw from the second Presbytery of Phila- 
delphia, (old school) and place themselves under the 
care of the third Presbytery of Philadelphia, (new 
scliool) which had then just been formed. 

The church was accordingly transferred, and Mr. 
Gould installed as their pastor, by a committee of the 
third Presbytery, September 25, 1838. From this 
period until the time of its return to the second Pres- 
bytery, its peace was often disturbed by controversies 
growing out of the change in its ecclesiastical rela- 
tions. Under Mr. Gould's ministry, however, large 
additions were made, from time to time, to the mem- 
bership of the church. 

In 1839, the church edifice was enlarged and other- 
wise greatly improved. Towards the close of 1851, 
Mr. Gould resigned the charge, and the church was 
again for a few months without a pastor. 

Rev. Randolph A. Smith, having received a unani- 
mous call to take charge of the congregation, was in- 
stalled June 3, 1852, by the third Presbytery of Phil- 
adelphia. Under the pastorate of Mr. Smith, in 1852 
the church erected a plain, but well arranged parson- 
age, in cottage style. The next year they resolved to 
rebuild their place of woi'ship. Accordingly on the 
last Sabbath in March, 1854, farewell services were 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 63 

held in the old church. The next day the work of 
pulling down the old building was commenced. 

The congregationworshippedinthe old courthouse, 
until the 31st of December, 1854, when the}- entered 
their new lecture room ; where thej continued to hold 
theirmeetings until the 16th of September, 1855, when 
the church was dedicated, and formally opened for 
public worship. Previous to the completion of the 
new church, in consequence of his own declining health 
and the indisposition of his family, Mr. Smith request- 
ed the congregation to unite w^ith him, in asking the 
Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation. Accord- 
ingly a congregational meeting was called, and the 
matter laid before them ; when they unanimously re- 
fused to unite in the request. Mr. Smith being sent 
for, came into the meeting, and the result of the con- 
gregational vote was announced to him. The chair- 
man on behalf of the people, urged him to revoke his 
declared purpose of resigning his charge. Mr. Smith 
then stated, that even in the event of his restoration 
to health, he could not continue his present relations 
to the third Presbytery, owing to unkind treatment, 
received from some of its members. A resolution was 
then moved and carried, that the congregation dissolve 
their relation to the third Presbytery and return to 
their previous connection with the second Presbytery, 
and a committee w^s appointed as the organ of com- 
munication to effect the object. 

As the transfer of the church to the second Pres- 
bytery brought it again under what was denominated 
the old school jurisdiction, that portion of the congre- 
gation which entertained new school views, was dis- 
satisfied with the change, and protested against it ; al- 
leging that at the meeting, which was held to consid- 
er Mr. Smith's resignation, the resolution to change 
the relations of the church from the new to the old 
school Presbytery, was sprung upon the meeting sud- 



64 NORrasTowN and Bridgeport. 

denl} , witlioiit due notice, and was irrelevant to the 
call and object thereof. 

The committee appointed to carry forward the de- 
cision of the meetin,i2^, api)eared before the third Pres- 
bytery and announced their mission. The Presbyte- 
ry refused to recognize the proceedings relative to a 
transfer to the second Pre^tery, and cited Mr. Smith 
to appear before it. This citation he did not obey ; 
the Presbytery declared the pulpit vacant, and 
proceeded to appoint supplies. Rev. George Foote 
was the first supply, who was also commissioned to de- 
clare to the congregation the vacancy of the pulpit 
The appearance of Mr. Foote to fulfil bis mission, 
brought affairs to a crisis. Appearing at the doors of 
the church, with the new school part of the congre- 
gation, they found the house closed against them, and 
were imformed by the trustees, that it could not be 
opened for the object proposed by the visit of Mr. 
Foote. 

Mr. F. and his friends retired to the opposite cor- 
ner of the street, where, under cover of the Market 
House, he performed, in the name of his Presbytery, 
the duty assigned him. The New School i)arty then 
adjourned to Airy Street Hall, where services were 
held, and where they continued to worship until a 
church was organized and an edifice built. The new 
organizati(m took tlie title of the Central Presbyte- 
rian Church. The separation took place in July, 1855. 

The new organization erected an edifice on De- 
Kalb street above Swede, in 1856-7, worshipping 
there for the first time upon the 4th of January, 1857. 
Having no regular pastor, they were supplied by min- 
isters from the third and fourth Presbyteries until 
1856, when tlieir iiist and present pastor, the Rev. 
Daniel G. Mai lory was regularly called. Of the 
original eldership, Daniel Getty and Jacob Taney 
came with the congregation at the period of separa- 
tion, and Wm. M'Dermott, Joseph Smith and Charles 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 65 

A. Elallman were afterwards chosen and installed in 
their office by the Rev. Robert Adair. The church 
now numbers 195 communicants. 

In the meantime the First church was received into 
the second Presbytery to which they originalh^ be- 
loniJ:ed. They divided their Sabbath School Library 
with their New School brethren, and gave them 
church property valued at $4000. The first church 
likewise proceeded to finish their elegant church edi- 
fice at the corner of DeKalb and Airy streets. 

In consequence of continued ill health, Mr. Smith 
was obliged to resign his charge, which he did at a 
meeting of Presbytery held at Newtown, Pa., March 
27, 1856. A few weeks after this Rev. Job F. Hal- 
sey received a unanimous call to become the pastor of 
the church, and Avas installed in May of the same year. 

When he entered upon the pastorate, the church 
property was encumbered with a debt of about $18,- 
OOO, which has been entirely removed. The mem- 
bership of the church has been nearly doubled, audits 
condition at this time is more prosperous than at any 
previous period of its history. 

The congregation of the Second Presbyterian church 
worships in a small stone building on Airy street be- 
lo^ t!ie parsonage of the first church. The edifice 
was built by some VVesleyan Methodists in 1840, who 
sold it to the Presbyterians, composed for the most 
pxrt of Scotch-Irish and adhered to the principles of 
tlie Covenanters. Their first pastor was the Rev. 
Samuel Paul. The Rev. Mr. Nesbit now fills the 
pulpit. 

The Catholic congregation was organized in 1836. 
The corner stone of their church edifice on Washing- 
ton street above Cherry, was laid in the same year, 
and dedicated in 1839, by Archbishop Kendrick. The 
church commenced with one hundred members, under 
the title of St. Patrick's, which has increased to two 
thousand. To accommodate the increasino^ wants of 



66 NORPJSTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

the coTv^regation, tlie corner stone of a new building 
was laid August 14, 1859, by the Right Rev. Bishop 
Neuman, with a sermon by the Very Rev. Dr. Mor- 
iarty. The church edifice, now in progress of erec- 
tion, fronts upon Lafayette street, its dimensions be- 
ing 145 feet long and 66 broad. 

The first pastor of the church was the Rev. Charles 
Carter, wlio has boon succeedod by the Rev. Dr. 0^- 
Conner, Rev. Patrick O'Donohue, Rev. Patrick Nu- 
gent and the present pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah O^- 
Donohue. 

The German Reformed church was organized in 
1846 ; built a house in 1847, and enlarged it in 1849. 
The present edifice on Airy street is 42 by 72 feet, 
very neat and pleasantly arranged. It has an air of 
comfort and social life in striking contrast vnth the 
cold and ill arranged buildings of former times. With 
the tower projection the building is 45 by 82 feet, the 
tower being 130 feet higli. The style is gothic, hand- 
somely finished inside in fresco, and will seat 500 
persons. The cost of the building was $9000. Though 
organized in 1846, the church was not incorporated 
until 1848. The officers consist of nine trustees, four 
elders and six deacons, who a re elected annually. Rev. 
Mr. Davis is the pastor. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Schools — Public — Female Institute — Press — Norristown Ga- 
zette — Norristown Herald — Norristown Register — Mont- 
gomery Democrat — Montgomery Watchman — Olive Branch- 
Norristown Republican — National Defender — Court Houses- 
Jails. 

Institutions of learning in our moral and social sys- 
tem, evidently have their due influence upon the so- 
ciety of Norristown, in screening it from the blasting 
influence of ignorance and its concomitant vices. One 
of these watch towers of the mind's freedom, the Old 
Academy, has yielded to the flat of time and the train 
of improvement that follows his lead. This struc- 
ture, remembered by many as the Alma Mater of 
their youthful days, stood upon Airy street, opposite 
DeKalb, previous to its extension. To assist in rais- 
ing funds for its erection, a lot, upon which a school 
house stood, and which was in possession of trustees, 
was sold. With the means thus accruing, the building 
was commenced and finished in 1805, and entitled the 
Norristown Academy. It was built of brick, two 
stories in height, 30 by 50 leet. It had a fine play 
ground of about one acre, and contained a Cabinet 
of Natural Science. Among its principals we find the 
names of Rev. Joseph Barr, Rov. Mr. M'Clenaghau and 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. The State, in accordance with its 
liberal policy, appropriated $2000 towards its comple- 
tion. It stood and subserved the purposes of the 
times, until 1829, when the extension of DeKatb 
street required its removal. Its site was nearly 
where the southwestern end of the Market house now 
stands. As the property was held in trust for the pub- 
lic good, under an Act of the Legislature, it was sold. 



68 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

and tlie proceeds were placed in the public school 
treasury of the towa. 

The Public Schools of Norristown, if properly 
cherished, are destined, in their legitimate develop- 
ment, to be the great conservators of virtue and in- 
telligence. The security of society depends upon the 
enlightened condition of the masses, and a wild beast 
let loose upon it, would be harmless compared to a 
base and ignorant man. The schools are organized 
upon a graded system, running from the primary to 
the high school department, through which a pupil 
can be so far established in elementary knowledge as 
to build his educational superstructure by his own en- 
ergy, or fitted for entering a collegiate course. 

The schools are contained in three buildings of 
brick, plain and commodious structures. The largest 
containing the higher departments of grammar and high 
school instruction, is on Oak street, three stories in 
height, 50 by 150 feet, containing 11 rooms for lec- 
tures, recitations and classes. It occupies a fine play 
ground, enclosing nearly two-thirds of a square in 
area. It was built in 18-19-50, and the property is 
valued at $33,000. Those buildings upon the corner 
of Cherry and Airy and Sandy and Walnut, are two 
stories, containing 4 rooms each ; they are supplied by 
eight teachers. The former was built in 1852, the 
latter in 185- 

Among the most eminent of its grade in the State, 
the Oakland Female Institute, under the Rev. J. 
Grier Ralston, merits notice. It stands upon an emi- 
nence rising from Egypt street, which commands a 
view that renders the site one of more than ordinary 
amenity. Looking from this point the beholder may 
well exclaim with Dyer : 

'"'Ever charming, ever new, 

When will the landscape tire the view !" 

This school was commenced by Mr. Ralston, Oct. 
29, 1845, in a room only 17 by 25 feet, with but four 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 69 

pupils. It soon enlarged so as to require additional 
buildings, which, by continued requirement, eventu- 
ally grew until the present stately pile crowned tlie 
eminence. The building is 4 stories high, 41 feet 
wide and 225 feet long, containing 140 apartments. 
The rooms are well ventilated, convenient and neatly 
furnished. Heated air is introduced into all the halls 
and apartments ; the entire establishment is lighted 
with gas, and each story is provided with water for 
warm and cold ba|hs. A telegraphic machine in the 
PrincipaFs study enables him to communicate with 
any part of the Union. The institution is amply pro- 
vided with Philosophical and Astronomical apparatus; 
Anatomical Preparations ; Specimens of Natural His- 
tory; a Cabinet of Minerals; Maps; Globes; a Li- 
brary of 4000 volumes, and a Reading Room furnish- 
ed with many of the best religious and literary peri- 
odicals. The grounds embrace eight acres, affording 
pleasant promenades and views, and a large part laid 
out, densely shaded, and beautified with shrubbery. 

A building for physical exercise, including Gym- 
nastics and Calisthenics, 41 by 32 feet is in course of 
erection. The buildings have already cost $100,000, 
and no expense has been spared to render the institu- 
tion eminently fitted for the moral, intellectual and 
physical development of the student. About fifteen 
hundred young ladies have been educated here — twen- 
ty-nine of the United States and territories, Canada, 
South America, France, Germany and Greece, have 
had their representatives at the Institute. 

In the spring of the year 1799, David Sower, the 
Nestor of the Montgomery Press, of the German- 
town Sower family, who emigrated to this country m 
1724, and who was noted as one of the first and 
largest publishers in Pennsylvania, established the 
first printing ofiice in Montgomery county. In June 
of the former year, he commenced the publication of 
the Gazette, on a half demy sheet, 8 by 10 inches. 



TO NORrJSTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Its contents were of a miscellaneous character, brief 
and interesting. Upon the 20th of December, 1799, 
it contained the announcement of the death of Wash- 
ington, which took place on the 14th, and the paper 
was kept in mourning until January 17, 1800. The 
Gazette was continued but one year, at the end of 
which time Mr. Sower established the Norristown 
Herald, which he continued until 1809, when he 
transferred the establishment to his eldest son, 
Charles Sower, who disposed of it in 1812. In 
1806 David Sower published a German paper, which, 
for want of sufficient patronage, was continued but 
six months. In 1816, David Sower, Jr., the son of 
David Sower, the original publisher of the Gazette, 
purchased the establishment, and continued the pub- 
lication of the Herald until the end of June, 1834, 
eighteen years, during which he enlarged the paper 
four different times, and brought it up to the highest 
standard of a country newspaper. In 1834 the paper 
was sold to John Hodgson, of Chester county, who 
continued its publication until 1837, when he dis- 
posed of the establishment to Robert Iredell, the 
present editor. 

In 1837 Mr. Iredell united the Herald witli the 
Free Press. The latter had been the organ of the 
Anti-Masonic party, and was established in 1829 by 
Henry S. Bell. Since the union the paper has been 
continued under the title of the Norristown Herald 
and Free Press. It has been several times enlarged 
and improved ; it is at present a supporter of the 
principles of the Republican party. Its veteran 
editor, Mr. Iredell, greets his friends with the kindly 
feelings that always characterized him. Mr. Sower 
has thrown off the editorial harness, and whoever 
calls upon him in his retirement will not fail to find 
a genial and pleasant greeting. 

The Norristown Register, the leading organ of the 
Dcmoci'atic party, has passed through various hands, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 71 

and fought many a hard battle for the principles it 
advocates. It was established by Mr. Wilson in 
1800; in 1801 it was purchased by Mr. James VVin- 
nard, who sold it to Powell & Patterson, who had 
served their time in the office. Mr. Samuel D. Pat- 
terson afterwards bought out his partner, becoming- 
sole proprietor. In March, 1834, Patterson sold to 
Mr. Adam Slemmer, and bought the establishment 
again in 1846; William Slemmer published the paper 
for Mr. Patterson. In 1849 the Register was pur- 
chased by John B. Sterigere, Mr. Slemmer continu- 
ing to be the publisher. Mr. Sterigere, who had 
been a gentleman of political prominence, having re- 
presented his district in Congress, died in 1852, when 
the paper was sold by his administrator, to Dr. E. L. 
Acker, who has continued his proprietorship to the 
present time. When the Register was first published, 
like Mr. Sower's, it was very unpretentious in size, 
being an eight by ten; successive proprietors en- 
larged and improved it, until it eventually grew to 
rival its cotemporaries. 

Like all others, the Democratic party has been sub- 
ject to dissensions in its ranks, at which periods 
presses have been for short periods established. 
During the contest between Wolf and Muhlenburg, a 
paper was started by Mr. Shainline called the Mont- 
gomery Democrat, which existed about nine months, 
and was bought out by Adam Slemmer. In 1 849 Mr. 
Daniel Fry commenced the publication of the Mont- 
gomery Watchman, and in 1851 Mr. E. B. Moore 
purchased one half of Mr. Fry's interest. In April, 
1853, Mr. Moore became sole proprietor and con- 
tinued its publication with ability until 1858, when 
it was bought by Dr. Acker and united with the 
Register. Mr. Moore is now Clerk of the Courts ; 
Dr. Acker is Superintendent of Common Schools for 
the county of Montgomery. 

About the middle of June, 1842, during tlie rise of 



72 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

the WasbiDgtonian movement, Franklin P. Sellers, 
now editor of the Belvidere, N. J., Intelligencer, 
started the Olive Branch in Doylestown, which was 
issued from the office of the Doylestown Intelligencer. 
In 1850, Mr. Sellers removed his paper to Norristown 
where he enlarged and improved it, receiving sup- 
port from the friends of temperance in eastern Penn- 
sylvania, of whose principles he was a warm advocate, 
and continued its publication until 185.'i,when a com- 
pany was formed that bought out Mr. Sellers, and the 
editorial management of the paper was given to Dr. 
Joseph Moyer, of Hilltown, Bucks county, who con- 
ducted it until the spring of 1855; when the company 
was enlarged, and Dr. Moyer sold out his share of 
interest to Lewis H. Gause,who continued its publi- 
cation upon a Temperance and Republican platform. 

In the spring of 1857, Mr. Gause and all the other 
proprietors, except four, sold out their interest to 
Moses Auge, who changed the name of the paper to 
the Norristown Republican, and Chester, Bucks and 
Philadelpliia Advertiser, who gave the paper a dress 
of new type and furnislied the office with new jobbing 
material. The paper supports, under Mr. Auge's 
management, the principles of the Republican party, 
whilst it is a firm and steady advocate of Temperance, 
and independent in its tone and character. Mr. Auge 
examines all questions with a free, out-spoken expres- 
sion, often giving and receiving hard knocks with 
chivalric courtesy. 

The National Defender was established, August 
12th, 1856, by Henry Leibert, Esq.; from him it 
passed to Messrs. Seymour and Royer in 1858; upon 
January 19th, 1859 to Joseph W. Royer; and upon 
the 21st of the ensuing February, Mr. Edwin Schall 
became tlie proprietor. The Defender is the organ 
of the American party. 

Previous to the erection of a court house, the pur- 
poses of public justice were subierved by the con- 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 73 

vening of courts at hotels. The first court of Mont- 
gomery county was held at the public house of John 
Shannon, upon the 28th of December, 1784. This 
was a Justices' Court, held by Frederick A. Muhlen- 
berg, James Morris, Henry Sheetz, and William 
Bean, Esquires. Frederick A. Muhlenberg was the 
presiding officer. 

The first court house stood upon the upper endgof 
what is now the public borough lot. Its site was 
upon an alley, now Penn street, about ■ twelve feet 
from Swede, with its front towards Egypt or Main 
street. It was a plain structure of stone ; its dimen- 
sions were 70 by 40 feet, two stories in height, sur- 
mounted by a cupola and bell. It was erected in 
1787. As was commtm in those times, the up])er 
story was reached by an outside staircase. The 
building for the county offices, constructed of stone, 
two stories in height, stood a few feet southeast of the 
court house, was erected in 1791, and subsequently 
enlarged for the better accommodation of the accu- 
mulated public business. The cost of the old court 
house and jail was £4774 19 shillings. As the citi- 
zens of Montgomery had belonged to Philadelphia 
county, when the public buildings of the latter were 
sold, the former received a proportionate share, which 
amounted to XI 828 19 shillings. The desire for a 
more commodious building terminated the history of 
the old court house, and it was sold and removed in 
1855. The spot in a few years will not be remem- 
bered, the waving grass and inviting groves will fur- 
nish no memorial of the spot where forensic eloquence 
and wit played their part, and law, in its more <:lig- 
nified forms, was administered from the bench. 

The new court house, though not upon the identi- 
cal site of the old, may be considered the crowning 
glory of the spot. This structure, built of native mar'- 
ble from Whitemarsh and Merion townships, stands 
upon the eminence bounded on three sides by Swede, 



74 NOERISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Airy and Penn streets. Its front faces Swede street 
196 feet, comprising a main building of 64 feet, with 
wings QQ by 47 feet; the latter being arranged for 
the accommodation of the various county officers, and 
public records. The main building, in which is situ- 
ated the court room, 90 by 64 feet, projects from the 
wings, and presents its marble portico of the Ionic 
order, supported by six columns, in imposing relief 
to the eye of the beholder. The steeple, of a stately 
height, containing a clock, presents, at first view, a 
somewhat distasteful contrast, in form and color, 
whicli tends to mar the effect of this otherwise finely 
proportioned building. It is constructed of the mar- 
ble found in Montgomery county, and cost $160,000. 
The first court held within its walls was in May, 
1855, though the house was not thoroughly finished 
until 1856. 

The grounds upon which the Court House stands, 
were presented to the county authorities by the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, for the occupancy of the pub- 
lic buildings. They extend along Swede street, from 
Airy beyond where Penn street now runs, including 
the site of the old county buildings, and consequently 
the upper part of the present borough square. 

This lot came into possession of the county more 
specifically asfollows : — Henry Pawling, Ji*., Jonathan 
Roberts, George Smith, Kobert Shannon and Henry 
Cunnard, were appointed Commissioners by an Act of 
the Legislature of 1784, "To purchase for the use of 
the inhabitants of the county some convenient place, 
contiguous to the river Schuylkill, in Norriton town- 
ship, in the neigliborhood of Stony Creek, and there- 
on erect a Court House and Prison.'' The Commis- 
sioners purchased, in accordance with these instruc- 
tions, the grounds afterwards occupied by the county, 
from the University, for Jive shillings, a trifling price, 
the gi'ound being a virtual donation. This purcliase 
was made in 1785, and the boundaries of the lot were 



HISTORY OP THE BOROUGHS. 75 

thus defined : — ^'Beginning at northwest corner of 
Airy and Swede streets ; thence along west side of 
Svv^ede, south 28 degrees west 344 feet to a corner; 
thence along the open square, south 62 degrees east 
140 feet to a corner of lot marked No. 1; thence by a 
40 feet court and lot No. 30, north 28 degrees east 
344: feet, to Airy street; thence along said street 
north 62 degrees west to the place of beginning." 
The Court spoken of was at the end of Penn alley, 
running fifty feet from Swede street. 

The old Prison, erected in 1787, stood upon the 
site of the present Court House, and was superseded 
by the present one on Airy street, above DeKalb, 
which was built in 1851. The front is built of sand- 
stone, a very unsuitable material for such a structure, 
becoming disintegrated by the ' severe frosts of our 
climate, as is evidenced by the effects upon the wall 
that encloses the front yard of the site. It is, how- 
ever, stated by some who profess to be competent 
judges of this material, that the quality which com- 
poses the front is not only capable of resisting the 
decomposing effects of the frost, but becomes more 
firm and compact by exposure to the atmosphere. 
Time will determine. 

The front is Norman, castellated, with the massive 
appearance peculiar to that style, with towers, embra- 
sures and battlements, and by an easy transition the 
mind need but add the moat and drawbridge, to be 
carried back to the old chivalric ages of merry 
England. The length of the building is 130 feet, 
breadth, 60, of two stories, and corridor from ground 
floor to roof, from which access is had to the cells. 
These are nine feet by thirteen, and number forty in 
all, in which the prisoners work at various employ- 
ments, though the principal are weaving and shoema- 
kino\ The building is one of LeBrun's, and cost 
$86;'O00. 

The prisoners were moved from the old jail in the 



76 :norristown and Bridgeport. 

latter part of 1851, and commenced labor in the new 
house in January, 1852. Fifty-six prisoners are now 
confined there. 



CHAPTER X. 

Public Square — Geological Features— Health— Bank — Creeks — 
Roads— Streets— Market Houses— Cemetery— Fords — Fer- 
ries — Trees — Canoes — Barbadoes Island — First Book Store- 
Curious Relic — Libraries. 

The Pablic Square, bounded upon three sides by 
Egypt, Swede and Penn streets, with the excep- 
tion of the part occupied by the Public Buildings, 
was granted to the borough authorities by the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania, for a Public Square forever. 
Though from its small size it is not capable of any 
great embellishment, and too steep for a favorite 
promenade, the authorities have planted it with trees 
and shrubbery, which, when more fully grown, will 
present an inviting shade. They have also enclosed 
the grounds with neat iron railing, and in their centre 
placed a handsome cast iron fountain, to furnish a 
more agreeable atmosphere to the sultry promenades 
of summer. An additional extent of ground upon 
Egypt street would greatly improve the shape of the 
lot, and make it a more valuable acquisition to the 
future city. 

Norristown and Bridgeport may not boast merely 
of their enviable position in the channel of extensive 
and continually extending trade, but of other and not 
less material advantages. The geological features of 
their vicinity are of a marked and important charac- 
ter, embracing formations of considerable variety, ex- 
tent and value. The principal strata which subserve 
"the useful purposes of life, are lead, copper, iron, 
marble, limestone, clay, slate, sand-stone, shale, ser- 
pentine, steatite, and gneissic formations. The dis- 
covery of these has given extensive employment to 



78 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

capital and labor. Additional to these may be enu- 
merated the less important trap rock, dolomite, talc, 
occasional viens of coarse granite and hornblende, 
and combinations of quartz and feldspar. 

Among the most important of these, maybe classed 
the limestone and marble, supplying as they do, so 
many of the wants, and even elegancies of life. The 
limestone extends through the western part of Mont- 
gomery county, outcropping in various places, ma- 
king it easy of access to the qnarrymen. The south- 
ern margin of the belt commences about one mile and 
a half southwest of Willow Grove, in Moreland town- 
ship, crosses the northern corner of Cheltenham and 
the Bethlehem turnpike, a mile below Flourtown. 
Passing thence to Spring Mill, it crosses the Schuyl- 
kill, following the Gulf creek through Upper Merion, 
into Chester county and along the Great Valley into 
Lancaster county. The northern margin approaches 
the Schuylkill from the west, the belt varying from 
two and a half to three miles in width, over the Val- 
ley creek half a mile from its mouth, and passes into 
the upper part, of Merion from Tredjffrin, above 
Eeeseville and King of Prussia; thence it continues 
to within half a mile of Bridgeport, where it turns 
down towards the Swedes' church and crosses the 
Schuylkill about one mile below the Swedes' Ford 
bridge. Doubling south a short distance eastward of 
the river, it passes through Plymouth township, cross- 
ing the Ridge turnpike at the fourteenth milestone 
from Philadelphia ; thence into Whitemarsh, crossing 
the Wissahickon at Mather's mill, a short distance 
below Sandy run, following the run until it reaches 
the eastern extremity of the belt in Abington town- 
ship, near Willow Grove. The length of this valu- 
able belt, from Abington, in Montgomery county, to 
the Big Beaver creek, in Lancaster county, is about 
fifty-eight miles. Its dip varies, but is frequently 
found to be 45 degrees southward, or south 20 degrees 
east. 



HISTORY OP THE BOROUGHS. 79 

As the limestone and marble are contiguous, tlie 
one also being but the more advanced stage of crys- 
tallization, and the more perfect as it reaches far be- 
low the superincumbent limestone, the above descrip- 
tion of the extent of the belt suffices for both depos- 
ites. Into this vast storeliouse of the Vespertine and 
Umbral series, the busy hand of man has worked Jn 
numerous places for many years, bringing from its ex- 
haustless depths that which has enriched both his 
household and his lands. The yield of the raw and 
calcined limestone per annum, from the quarries up- 
on either side of the river below Norristown, is very 
great, and sent by railroad or wagon to all parts of 
the country. The marble, also, at lower depths, is 
extensively used, its quality commending it to the 
builders of Philadelphia and many other places. The 
principal quarries are Hitner's, at Marble Hall, which 
have been worked since 1783, and reached a depth of 
265 feet ; Lent's, Robt. T. Potts', Peter Fritz's, in 
Whitemarsh ; and west of the river, Sandeman's, or 
Henderson's, Brooks', and Derr and Adams', in Up- 
per Merion. The blocks presented by the State of 
Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia for the 
Washington Monument, also much of the marble for 
the Girard College, were furnished from Hitner's 
quarries. 

Upon the marble belt just noticed, iron ore is found 
in Montgomery and Chester counties, particularly in 
the valley basins. In the vicinity of the Schuylkill, 
the ore belt has a mean breadth of about one mile; 
it is not equally plentiful within its range, but runs 
in long, narrow strips, covering the undulating out- 
crop of limestone. Pits have been sunk into the de- 
posite at various places, yielding various qualities of 
ore, from thirty-three to seventy-five per cent, of 
metal. 

In the valley of the Perkiomen galena, or lead, has 
been mined for manv years, and much interest has 



80 



NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 



been excited of late years by tracing the vein in the 
north-eastern section of Chester county, where much 
labor has been expended in sinking shafts. 

The immediate site of the boroughs of Norristown 
and Bridgeport is of the Mesozic red sandstone and 
Mesozic conglomerates. These may be seen in posi- 
tion upon the bank of the river below Norristown, 
along the cut of the railroad, also on the high banks 
of Stony creek. This sandstone near the surface is 
liable to disintegration in the walls of buildings, be- 
ing unable to resist the severity of the frosts of our 
climate. The wall upon Airy street, in front of the 
prison, will be found exceedingly friable from this 
cause. As we go up the river from Stony creek, the 
formation deepens and becomes overlain by the shale, 
that prevails upon either bank. This would appear 
to run out in the vicinity of Swedes' Ford, as the red 
shale may there be found in a thinnish stratum upon 
the sandstone. 

This extensive field of sandstone and shale, through 
which the Schuylkill has ploughed its way for ages, 
and by the attrition of its currents carried off vast 
quantities of both formations, will be found extending 
over the upper parts of Montgomery and Chester as 
the prevailing series. 

The clay upon the lower levels,'an alluvion deposite 
made by the matter held in solution by the waters of 
the river, has various breadths. At Norristown it 
lies upon both sides of the river, and along the bottom 
of Stony creek, furnishing when calcined a handsome 
material for building purposes. On the Bridgeport 
side it extends along the river one-fourth of a mile, 
with a breadth of about two hundred yards, of fair 
quality, with a depth of from four to six feet. Be- 
neath this stratum is one of fine sand and next below 
a considerable depth of gravel. These friable series 
render the sinking of wells very precarious, from the 
caving in of the uncompacted mass; in consequence 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 81 

of this, in some instances the inhabitants have to crib 
the sides, in order to render them available for use. 
The gravel has been penetrated to the depth of twenty 
feet. 

For a few years the stagnation of water by the 
erection of dams, caused some alarm among the resi^ 
dents of the valley of the river; fever and ague re- 
sulting to some extent. The redemption of marsh to 
cultivated lands, with various improvements upon the 
river banks, restored those places where disease 
spread, to a condition of health equal to localities more 
remote from w^ater courses; and it may be stated with 
truthfulness, that Norristown and Bridgeport enjoy 
an enviable immunity from disease. In relation to 
this subject a physician of intelligence and probity in 
the vicinity, remarks: "Endemic diseasesare not 
known among us; occasionally an epidemic makes 
its appearance, but is not marked by any peculiar vir- 
ulence, passing away in due course of time w^ithout 
its pathway being tracked by any extraordinary de- 
vastation : the most common of these are Scarlatina, 
Bilious, and Typhoid Fever, Ague, &c.; this latter ail- 
ment is most apt to attack foreigners, when they first 
settle among us; and yet I have known some of this 
class to come here emaciated, and reduced almost to 
skeletons from repeated attacks of this disease through 
a period of twelve or eighteen months previous, and 
in a little while, without the use of medicine, to ex- 
perience a benefical change, which, while inspiring 
hope, has often proven the precursor of a perfect and 
complete restoration to health. 

Whilst it is not a law of disease, yet it is a truth 
which experience has amply proven, that change isan 
important agent in its cure ; in many cases surpassing 
even the most sanguine anticipa,tions of the practition- 
er, accomolishing^hatwiiichhad baffled the most re- 
liable reniedies of the ^'Materia Medica.'' For such 
a purpose Norristown, as a locality, seems to be hap- 



82 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

pily designed, combining all that is beautiful and at- 
tractive in nature, all that is conducive to health, with 
all that is desirable as a place of residence." 

The Montgomery County Bank was chartered 
August 29th, 1815, with a capital of $400,000. The 
present banking house on Egypt street, above Swede, 
was erected in 1854, and is a two storied brick build- 
ing with a handsome portico of marble. It was the only 
bank in the county until the bank at Pottstown was 
chartered in 1857. The presidents of the institution, 
from the date of its organization, have been Francis 
Swayne, Joseph Thomas, Zadoc Thomas, Joseph 
Thomas and John Boyer. Its cashiers have been 
Matthias Holstein, David Wolmer and William H. 
Slingluff. 

Stoney creek and Sawmill run, rising in Whit- 
paine township, flow through the borough, for two 
miles, into the Schuylkill. The former is seven miles 
in^ length, and, with its branches, propels six grist 
mills, two saw mills, and several manufactories ; the 
latter is four miles in length and propels a clover 
mill, a grist and saw mill, and several manufactories. 

The Philadelphia and Reading turnpike, finished in 
1816, at a cost of $7000 per mile, at one time was 
the great highway of travel to its termini for the citi- 
zens of Norristown. It runs through the borough 
nearly parallel to the Schuylkill, forming the fine 
avenue of Egypt or Main street. Intersecting this 
highway and forming DeKalb street, likewise a main 
artery of travel, is the State Road, running from New 
Hope on the Delaware river, through Bucks, Mont- 
gomery and Chester counties, and Cecil county, 
Maryland, to Port Deposit, on the Susquehanna. 
This road was laid out in 1830, passing through 
Montgomery county 16 miles. 

The turnpike from Bridgeport to the King of 
Prussia is three miles in length, and was built to 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 83 

remedy the defects occasioned by the frequent travel 
of lime and marble teams. It was laid out in 1855. 

Sandy Hill road is an extension of Sandy street 
from Penn, and was laid out and graded as an ave- 
nue to the limits of the borough in 1845. 

Egypt street constitutes part of a road that origi- 
nally led to the valley of the Perkiomen, which in 
early times was well known for its fertility and pro- 
ductiveness, and was in consequence called Egypt. 
The saying of "going down to Egypt,'' for the pro- 
curing of meal and other household necessities, was 
quite common, and from this it is supposed the road 
was called the ''Egypt road," which was subsequently 
applied to the street. 

DeKalb street, named in honor of the memory of 
the brave German baron who laid down his life in 
the disastrous battle of Cambden, for the cause of 
freedom, is part of the State road from New Hope to 
Maryland. It was originally laid out from the river 
to Airy street, and extended over the site of the old 
academy from Airy street in the progress of improve- 
ment. 

The oldest market house now existing in Norris- 
town stands upon DeKalb street, and extends from 
Airy to Marshall street. It stands near the middle of 
the street, and is of the old-fashioned style of roof 
sustained by pillars of brick. The avenue upon either 
side is of good width and the house presents less ob- 
struction to travel than in many other towns. It was 
built in 1850-51, is a very commodious structure, af- 
fording more than ordinary room for sellers and buy- 
ers. The market days are Tuesday, Thursday and 
Saturday of every week. 

In December, 1859, Mr. Wm. P. Reiflf finished the 
first im})ro7ed market house in the borough, upon a 
plan that seems to be growing into favor in large ci- 
ties. Located within the limits of ordinary houses, 
instead of the centre of the street, no obstruction is 



84 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

presented to public travel, or a fine avenue marred 
by an unsightly series of sheds, whilst better oppor- 
tunity is offered for furnishing a town with public 
halls, and bringing out proper architectural designs. 
Mr. Reiff's is a private enterprise, intended to conform 
to more improved modes of preserving meats and 
produce from the deteriorating effects of dust and 
heat, as well as to afford more comfortable shelter for 
dealers. His house stands upon the north-east corner 
of DeKalb and Marshall streets, fronting 40 feet upon 
the former and extending 150 feet along the latter, 
with ready access to the interior from three streets for 
the delivery of produce. The building is of brick, 
capable of being entirely enclosed, warmed and light- 
ed, whilst beneath are apartments for storage, and in 
the front basement is a handsomely fitted saloon for 
refreshments. Four rows of stalls, of varnished pine, 
extend the entire length of the building, with spaces 
of sufficient width to give easy access to the purchaser. 
The market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Satur- 
day morning and evening. 

Montgomery Cemetery lies in Norriton township, 
contiguous to the western line of the borough of Nor- 
ristown, and runs to the river. It contains thirty 
acres of land, diversified upon its surface and sloping 
towards the Schuylkill. The company was organized 
in September, 1847, and proceeded to lay out the 
grounds the same year. Its corporate powers were 
given in April, 1848. The first interment was Mrs. 
Christian Nace, March 16th, 1849. The capital 
stock is $8,000. Under the charter the Trustees were 
made perpetual, but this arrangement not proving sat- 
isfactory, upon application to the Legislature this 
feature was changed and their election was made an- 
nual by the stockholders. The incorporators were 
William Hamill, John R. Cooken, Adam Slemmer, 
Henry Frcedley, James Wells, Abraham Markley, 
John Freedley, Joseph Fornance ; the first five of 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 85 

whom the charter constituted Trustees. The Trus- 
tees elected the following officers : 

President — William Hamill. 

Secretary — Adam Slemmer. 

Treasurer — Henrj Freedley. 

Stockholders' meeting to procure Act of Incorpo- 
ration was held January 18, 1854. 

Trustees by amended charter, are elected annually, 
upon first Monday in June. The first Board thus 
elected were William Hammill, Adam Slemnier, 
Henry Freedley, William H. Slingluff, Franklin Derr, 
Abraham Markley, Daniel Longaker. The officers, 
elected by these Trustees were, 

President — William Hamill. 

Secretary and Treasurer — Adam Slemmer. 

Number of interments up to April 1, 1859, 652. 

The size of lots is eight by sixteen feet ; price per 
lot, ranging from $20 to $40. 

Before the era of bridges the river Schujdkill was 
crossed by fording, which was often rendered dan- 
gerous by high water after a period of rainy weather, 
and frequently all communication between the oppo- 
site sides would be effectually cut off. The fording 
ground in the vicinity of Norristown was the old 
Swedes' Ford, which must have been used by the early 
settlers. A tavern stood at its western end in 1760,and 
it is probable that, in order to facilitate the crossing, a 
rope-ferry was early established, as the original tavern 
sign had upon it the I'cpresentation of such a ferry, 
and upon the reverse side that of an ox in the act of 
being slaughtered. The rope of the ferry was thrown 
across the stream in a sloping direction, and securely 
fastened at either end ; a stout iron ring, to which the 
boat was fastened, slipped along the rope, the current 
being the propelling power. Though severe penal- 
ties were attached to the injuring of these ropes, they 
were frequently cut and carried off, greatly to tlie 



86 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

annoyance of the neighborhood. The era of bridges 
has superseded ancient custom, and those at the old 
ford and DeKalb street aiford to the citizens nearly 
all the conveniences for intercommunication as a street. 
The time, however, must come, when the present 
bridges at the points mentioned will be taken down, 
and substantial stone structures erected, which neither 
flood nor time can shake, and which will be as free 
and open as the common highway. 

In early days the trees upon the rich alluvion of 
the river attained a very ample growth, and of these 
stalwart monarchs of the forest, the settlers made 
canoes of sufficientsizetocarry large quantities of pro- 
duce to market. In 1683, Wm. Perm wrote to a 
friend in England, speaking of canoes of incredible 
size; one of which, formed from a poplar tree, was 
capable of carrying four tons of bricks ; and another 
of sufficient capacity to convey one hundred and forty 
bushels of wheat to Philadelphia. 

The island so quietly and pleasantly reposing in the 
Schuylkill above the dam at Norristown, known as 
Barbadoes Island, was part of Norriton Manor, 
and is said to have contained in the times of tlie early 
possessors eightj^-eight acres, having been four hun- 
dred perches in length and sixty perches wide at its 
widest part. Previous to the erection of the dam it 
extended as far down as the bridge at DeKalb street. 
The dam and the attrition of the water have decreas- 
ed its dimensions, though its air of stillness and re- 
pose makes it add greatly to the beauty of the scene- 
ry of the river. It is supposed to have received its 
name from Isaac Norris to whom it once belonged, 
who traded to the island of liarbadoes, one of the 
West India group. Mr. Buck states that it contained 
a race course in the early part of the present century, 
and was kept for this purpose many years. It was 
purchased by the Schuylkill Navigation Company 
when the dam was erected, to avoid litigation, is 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 87 

under cultiyation, and contains the necessary farm buil- 
dings. 

Previously to the erection of the dam, another is- 
land lay between Barbadoes and the left bank of the 
river. Though of no great extent, it was wooded 
and presented an inviting retreat to the citizens of the 
village, who used it for some years as an appropriate 
spot for celebrating the birth day of our national in- 
dependence. Improvement blotted out its existence, 
regardless of its beauty, and the eloquence of its na- 
tal orators is lost forever to the world. 

In 1836 David Sower opened the first Book and 
Stationery store in Norristown, and in 1838^ the first 
Dry Goods Store, disconnected from other articles, 
both of which he continued for several years, prudent- 
ly and successfully. Mr. S. expended his money in im- 
proving the town, by the erection of some twenty or 
more store-houses and dwellings, and in 1850 retired 
from business, to enjoy the fruits of his labors. 

Among the curious and valuable relics of the bo- 
rough of Norristown, may be noticed an old German 
Bible in the possession of Mr. David Sower. It was 
printed in 1564, and is yet in a very good state of pres- 
ervation. It is embellished with two hundred illumi- 
nated engravings indicating great labor and no mean 
skill. The letter press is admirably executed, being 
very clear and distinct, without monk or friar. The 
cover is of wood, overlain with parchment. This is 
supposed to be one of the oldest copies of the Old and 
New Testaments extant and is valued from its great 
antiquity and superior workmanship, at five hundred 
dollars. Those who desire to inspect this highly in- 
teresting remains of a time when bibles were not 
multiplied with the rapidity of steam, will not fail to 
find in it a style of mechanical execution quite un- 
ique and skillful. 

Among the institutions of commanding utility, the 
Public Library is by no means the least, affording as 



88 NORRISTOWN AND BEIDGEPORT. 

it does a necessary mental aliment at a very low rate. 
With them the boroughs are happily supplied. The 
Norristown Library Company was incorporated up- 
on the 30th of April, 1796 ; Henry Pawling, An- 
drew Porter, John Pugh, Seth Chapman, Dr. Isaac 
Huddleson, Dr. Wm. Smith, Joseph Potts, Ezekiel 
Rhoades, Robert Brooke, John E. Allen, James Ad- 
ams, John Davis and Samuel Maulsley, having been 
its earliest friends and incorporators. For many years 
the Library building stood upon the site belonging to 
the Bank of Montgomery county, on Egypt street, 
and was removed to DeKalb street in August, 1853, 
where it now stands. In October, 1859, through the 
private subscriptions of a number of liberal citizens, 
a new Library building was commenced upon the low- 
er side of DeKalb street above Airy, of thirty by for- 
ty feet, with a plain front of brick, containing Gothic 
windows. This building at once commodious and 
pleasant, will be ready for occupancy upon the 1st of 
April, 1860, where the library will be kept, and en- 
larged to accommodate the growing wants of the 
community. The price of shares in the company is 
five dollars each, with an annual payment of one dol- 
lar. In 1832 eleven hundred volumes had been ac- 
cumulated, in 1850 about twenty-five hundred, and at 
present the company possessabout twenty-eight hun- 
dred. 

Though as yet of small extent, tlie citizens of 
Bridgeport have commenced the work of establish- 
ing a library. Their company was organized in 
1858, under the auspices of B. B. Hughes, as Presi- 
dent ; George Pechin, Secretary ; Dr. George W. 
Holstein, Treasurer. The office of Dr. Holstein, on 
DeKalb street, contains the library, comprising three 
hundred and sixty volumes. This nucleus gradually 
and judiciously enlarged, will prove of inestimable 
value to all classes of the growing community. 

These sources of mtellectual wealth, of a public 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 89 

character, additional to private libraries of greater 
or less extent in every household, give a marked tone 
to the community ; but when we add to these im- 
mense appliances for the mind's elevation, the Sun- 
day school library found in every congregation, sup- 
plied with liberal hands and judiciously distributed 
weekly to the youth of the boroughs, we can by no 
means estimate the intrinsic value and power of those 
silent, yet speaking monitors, that so constantly shield 
communities from vice. Laws both restrain and 
punish, but they appeal to the lower sense merely ; 
the Library, the School and the Church, are powers 
in this age that elevate the intellectual and moral 
standard ; and, fitting a people for the enjoyment of 
civil and religious freedom, render them invulner- 
able alike to the assaults of time, or the desperate 
ambition and sensuality of men who laugh at human 
virtue and climb upon the ignorance and debasement 
of their fellows to positions of profit and power. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Isaac Norris — William Trent — Holsteins — Rambos— Col. John 
Bull — Swede sburg — Christ Church and Graveyard — Contrast 
of Primitive and Modern Times. 

To those who were precursors in the settlement of 
the site of the boroughs, some notice is due. The 
pioneer, like the lion, has but a meager chance for 
justice and but few biographers. Happily in the case 
before us, the memory of those who lived in primitive 
days is not all lost; the hand of friendship has left 
us some remains of lives spent in clearing the forest 
and laying the foundations of the future greatness of 
society. 

Isaac Norris, the purchaser of the Manor of Norri- 
ton, was born in England in 1671. He belonged to 
the society of Friends, of whose tenets and rules he 
was a strict observer, and amongst whom for many 
years he was a leading member. He came to Phila- 
delphia from Jamaica, where he had prosecuted bus- 
iness as a merchant. His arrival in Philadelphia, 
where he laid the foundation of his fortune in the 
same pursuit, was in the earlier stages of its settle- 
ment, as the city was laid out in 1683, and his pur- 
chase of the manor, in connection with Trent, was in 
1704, when the city could not have been as large as 
Norristown. His accumulations as a merchant were 
greatly increased by judicious purchases of real es- 
tate, which by appreciation became highly valuable. 

Mr. Norris was not only distinguished as a success- 
ful merchant, but he was prominent as a public man, 
having been elected a member of Assembly under the 
proprietary government in 1713, which position he 
continued to fill until 1731, a period of 18 years. 
As further evidence of the confidence reposed in him, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 9l 

he was a member of the governor's council, and at the 
period of his death Chief Justice of the Province. 
He died of apoplexy in 1735, at 64 years of age. 
Previous to his death, Mr. Norris sold off portions of 
Norriton, amounting to seventeen hundred and twen- 
ty acres; and the family, afterwards, though retain- 
ing possession of the estate, continued to sell tracts 
as the increase of population required additional 
farms. 

Wm. Trent, one of the purchasers of Norriton Manor, 
in conjunction with Isaac Norris, was likewise a Friend 
and a merchant of Philadelphia city. Cotemporary 
with his friend Norris, he was also a public man, hav- 
ing been a member of the Provincial Assembly and 
Speaker of that body. From 1705 until 1716 he was 
one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the Prov- 
ince. He subsequently removed to New Jersey, set- 
tling upon the banks of the Delaware river, and be- 
came Chief Justice of that province, which office he 
held at the period of his death. Having improved 
the location of his settlement in 1719, by the erection 
of some mills, the nucleus of a community was thus 
formed, and from it grew the flourishing city of Tren- 
ton, thus named in honor of its enterprising founder. 
He died there upon the 24th of December, 1724. 
We find it noted by Watson in his Annals of Phila- 
delphia, that in 1738 "three negro men were hung for 
poisoning sundry persons in Jersey. They said they 
had poisoned Judge Wm. Trent, the founder of Tren- 
ton, among that number, but when he died none were 
suspected." 

Matts Holsten, afterwards Holstein, one of the 
earliest Swedish settlers, and who is mentioned as 
having a family of seven persons in 1694, was be- 
lieved to have been the progenitor of the Holsteins 
that emigrated to the site of Bridgeport in 1712. He 
is supposed to have come into the country with Cap- 
tain Peter Minuit in 1638. From him descended 



92 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Matts, or Matthias Holstein, the purchaser of the 
1000 acres upon the river. In the house that he built 
upon his tract in 1714, his children, grand -children, 
great-grand-children and great-great-grand-children 
Vv^ere born. From him descended Matthias Holstein, 
who was born in 1717, and married a daughter of 
Marcus Hulings, of Morlattan, on the Schuylkill, 
four miles above Pottstown. J3e died December 
10, 1768, at 51 years of age. He took an active 
part in the erection of Christ Church at Swedeland, 
in the yard of which his remains lie. From him 
descended Samuel Holstein, who flourished in 1776, 
and owned at that time 600 acres of the original 
tract. From him descended Major Matthias Holstein, 
who was born October 10, 1772. He kept the old 
Swedes' Ford tavern, yet standing. Mr. Buck speaks 
of him "as a well-known and hig'hly respected citizen 
of Norristown — a man endowed with more than 
ordinary powers of observation ; enjoyed a retentive 
memory, and before his death few could be found in 
any neighborhood better stored with reminiscences of 
the past. It- is to be regretted that with his abilities 
he did not endeavor to preserve his recollections in 
writing.'*' He died upon the 10th of August, 1849, 
at the age of 77, and his remains likewise repose 
with his ancestors at Christ Church. 

Of the Kambo family, Peter appears to have been 
the first known in the country, being one of the emi- 
grants who came with Minuit in 1638. He was a 
conspicuous man in the settlement, having been a mag- 
istrate and commissary, in 1661. In 1668 he was one 
of the counsellors of Robert Carr, then deputy gov- 
ernor, and one of the justices of the provincial court 
in 1676, for the jurisdiction of the Delaware river 
and dependencies. He is supposed to have been a 
native of Gottenburg. Peter left four sons, Peter, 
Gunnar, Andrew and John. Peter was one of the 
settlers of Upper Merion in 1712, and had previously 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 93 

been a person of public notice in tlie Delaware set- 
tlements. He witnessed the landing of Penn at Up- 
land, and was among those of his countrymen who 
formally tendered the proprietor a cordial welcome 
and faithful support. He was one of the witnesses to 
the deed from the Indians to William Penn in 1683. 

Gunnar Rambo, the brother of Peter, was likewise 
a man of energy, determination and influence, and a 
pivot man in the primitive community. He represent- 
ed Philadelphia county, in the Assembly of 1685. 
He moved with his brother Peter to Merion in 1712, 
and their lands were contiguous. The Swedes' church 
stands upon the old tract. 

Andrew Rambo, another brother, took up land 
lower down the river, from the Falls of Schuylkill to 
Tacony creek. 

Peter Yocum, previously written Yoccum, is men- 
tioned in the Upland court records, in 1681, as hav- 
ing been on a jury that year. His settlement upon 
the Schuylkill in 1712, is already noticed, and but little 
is left concerning him. The family appears to be scat- 
tered, having sought other localities for homesteads. 

Mons Rambo was the son of Gunnar Rambo, one 
of the settlers of Upper Merion, with Holstein in 1712 ; 
whose tract was the next below his cotemporary. 
Mons is represented as having been a man of ad- 
venture ; fond of the excitement and perils of the 
chase, he became a fearless and successful hunter, and 
shot deer in the vicinity of the river, as late as the 
year 1770. The panther, and other beasts of the ad- 
jacent country, as well as deer, fell before his uner- 
ring aim, and he was the Nimrod of the forest, when 
the hunt called him out. His prowess and exploits 
have become traditionary themes in the valley of the 
Schuylkill. Upon one occasion, it is related that 
Mons having wounded a deer, he stepped astride it to 
cut its throat, when the animal rose with him, and 
made off at full speed. Nothing daunted by this turn 



94 NOERISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

of events, the hunter clung to its back, and whilst in 
that position killed it. Mons died on the 22d of Oc- 
tober, 1782, just one century from the landing of Penn, 
at the ripe age of 89 years ; his remains lie in the old 
Swedes' grave yard of Christ church, once part 
of the old Rambo tract. 

"Col. John Bull was a native of Providence town- 
ship, Montgomery county, where the family had resid- 
ed for several generations. In the beginning of 1771 
he lived in Limerick, where he resided until he pur- 
chased the mill and plantation of Charles Norris, from 
his widow. He was at that time a justice of the county 
court, which office he held for several years. In Janu- 
ary, 1775, he was one of the twelve members of Phil- 
adelphia county, that met in a provincial convention, 
whose object was to get the Assembly to pass a law 
to prohibit the future importation of slaves into the 
colony. The same year, in consequence of the revolu- 
tionary troubles, the Assembly authorized the enlist- 
ment of a battallion of eight companies, for the con- 
tinental service, to be under the command of Col. 
Bull, until January, 1778. With three others he rep- 
resented Philadelphia county, in the convention that 
framed the Constitution of the State, which was adopt- 
ed the 28th of September, 1776. In November of 
that year, he disposed of part of his property in Nor- 
riton, to Dr. William Smith, for £6000. He was 
confirmed a justice of the Courts by the Assem- 
bly on the 31st of August, 1778. After this, 
a short time, he removed to Berkely county, Vir- 
ginia, where he erected a mill. He was living 
there, in 1795, which was the last heard of him. Wm. 
Bull, a brother, resided in Norriton township in 
1770." 

The village of Swedesburgh adjoins the eastern line 
of Bridgeport, and in time will probably become part 
of the borough. It is pleasantly situated upon the 
hill slope with a view, of the river scenery. It con- 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. ' 95 

tains about five lumdred inhabitants, and has sprung 
up within the last fifteen years. It is a quiet, rural 
place, as yet undisturbed by the sounds of machinery. 
Contiguous to the village is the old burial ground, in 
the middle of which stands the Swedes' Church, sur- 
rounded by tombs and rife with the memories of the 
past. It stands where it was once the solitary tenant 
of the waste, directing the "rude forefathers" to a 
higher destiny and a more glorious hope. As the 
footsteps of the visitor reverently press the consecra- 
ted ground beneath the mournful cedars, and he 
marks the marble indices of the numerous remains 
beneath, he feels how inexorably and speedily the 
scythe of time gathers its harvest to the dead's cold 
city, and fills up the tombs of a generation. And this 
ancient church, how eloquently it speaks from out the 
century of primeval life, of those who persistently 
cherished the faith of their father-land ! It yet stands, 
somewhat less rude in proportion and appearance, but 
echoing the sounds of no purer faith, or more sincere 
devotion, than came from the lips of Hesselius and 
Colin. 

Upon the marble tablets strewn in profusion around, 
some gray and dim with age, others fresh and bright 
from the workman's recent chisel, the last resting- 
place of those who fought the battle of life in the river 
settlements is at once recognized. Here in lengthen- 
ed lines lie the families of Holstein, Rambo, Yocura, 
Mattson, Eroades, Shainline, and others. Among the 
oldest tombs, we notice Matthias Holstein's, who died 
Dec. 12, 1768, at 51 years of age, and his virtues are 
noted in the couplet, — 

" Tho pomp nor grandeur swell'd his humble name, 
The honest man will reap immortal fame." 

Mons Rambo died Oct. 23, 1782, at the age of 89 
years. So they were gathered, these pioneers of a 
wondrous era of republican freedom and refinement, 
at a good old age, to the resting-place, long, we trust, 



96 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

to be kept sacred from the ruthless hand of improve- 
ment. 

The present pastor of the church, the Rev. Henry 
Eees, resides in the village. 

In 1790, the attendants upon the service of the 
church came on horseback or in canoes, the latter in 
those days having been a very common mode of con- 
veyance. Those who came on horseback were ac- 
companied by the females, who rode upon a pillion be- 
hind their more robust protectors. In this primitive 
mode of conveyance, strong skirts were used to pro- 
tect the garments from being soiled or torn by the 
profuse undergrowth of the forest paths, and these 
were removed and hung in array upon the fences or 
bushes, until the time arrived to resume them for the 
homeward journey; they went by the name of "safe- 
guard petticoats." 

In running back upon what we may properly con- 
ceive to have been the condition of the times of 1712, 
upon the Schuylkill shore a contrast of no mean interest 
is presented. Then, by the mind's telescope, we view 
the canoe, the solitary horseman upon a devious path, 
leading from house to house through long ranges of 
forest, over marsh and amid thick underwood, 
threaded his solitary way. As time opened the 
forest-path, and converted it to a highway, and years 
of thrift and industry enlarged the means of the inha- 
bitants the wagon commenced its era ; by successive 
improvement the yet saperior turnpike and leveled 
road, invited the light and airy carriage with its spir- 
ited and highly bred steed, or dashing span, to reduce 
distance within narrower boundaries. Eventually 
from the womb of time came one mightier and s>vifter 
than all before, despising distance and labor as he 
rushed forth the Avonderful servitor of his age. The 
steam horse and iron way of 1860, the canoe and 
the solita'y horse ard tangled Ir'dle path of 1712, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. ' 97 

liavo their history, and tlio events of these periods in 
juxtaposition sliow ns how rapidly the world moves. 

In the early days, too, the log-honse was the pio- 
neer of its present stately congener, consisting of one 
room with a low door, so low as to require the visitor 
to stoop for entrance. Instead of glass and sash, 
loopdioles, over which a slide ran, admitted light, or 
in advance of this, covered with isinglass picked from 
a neighboring hillside. The cracks between the logs 
were filled with clay, the cliimnies, npon the outside, 
with ample ovens, were built of whatever stone was at 
liand, and contained a fire-place within which the 
entire household could sit and listen to startling ad- 
ventures, or be tanght the sober truths of morality 
and religion. The roof was probably composed of 
sod, or bark, or straw. To such shelter succeeded the 
dwelling of stone, perhaps two stories, with roof of 
oak shingle, split in the forest ; or mayhap the not less 
comfortable one of frame, with the porch and pent- 
eave as an embellishment. Succeeding these the 
brick mansion, more commodious and better propor- 
tioned, the material as yet rough in finish, and often 
glazed, came from the plastic hand of improving man. 
And now, having searched the quarry's cavernous 
depths, his pride and refinement of taste, tolerate no 
longer the rude strnctures in which his sturdy an- 
cestors told their legends, or raised the Iiymn of 
praise. He must have now the ample portico fronting 
his palaces of marble, and adorning his stately avenues. 
The Temple of Minerva and the glorious Parthenon 
are his models ; the classic orders of Greece challenge 
his study and his admiration. The cabin of the set- 
tler and the Ionic portico and massive proportions of 
the hall of justice upon Swede street, show that the 
world moves. 

In the days referred to, the wants of the settler were 
as primitive as they were easily supplied. Men were 
content with vests and breeches of skin, and caps, 



98 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

instead of hats, were made of the same material- 
Tanners were abundant, for every man was his own, 
making his leather and shoes; the latter fashioned 
after the Indian moccasin. Even the tenderer sex dis- 
dained not to rough it in dress of the same material as 
that worn by the lord of the household. Flax was 
raised for sheets, undergarments, ropes, fishing tackle, 
and other purposes. The luxuries of his larder were 
iish and deer, flanked by coarse bread, at once whole- 
some and nourishing. Butter was non est, for tea 
the root of the sassafras was sufficiently aromatic and 
stimulating, and the persimmon tree furnished him 
small beer and brandy. The root of the bayberry 
made him soap, and its branches candles ; the sassa- 
fras and walnut, a dye. His materia medica grew 
around him in herbs and flowers, nature was his great 
store house, and the simplicity of the healing art was 
preserved, by hisinfrequent need of medicinal agents 
in the active and robust nature of his pursuits. The 
disciple of Esculapius drove no curricle to his door, 
or doifed a silken glove to hold the gold repeater by 
his bedside, whilst counting the fluttering pulsations 
of his patient and inditing the latin prescription for 
the inspection of the nearest apothecary. Bis doc- 
tors were almost as ignorant as himself and trusted 
more to the vis medicatrix natures, than their medi- 
cines. 

And these were the ancestral relations of those Avho 
have now in Norristown and Bridgeport, almost every 
refinement and luxury of the incomparable nine- 
teenth century. With steam instead of man for their 
slave, the lightning for their messenger, and the 
genius of invention constantly upon the rack for the 
supplying of every means to make life uniform and 
happy, the people should be abundantly thankful for 
what they enjoy, and see in the rapid transitions of 
the past, the certainty of a yet more refined an'S. 
more elevated future. 



CHAPTER Xir. 

Uniformity of Streets— Contrast with other Places— Enlarge- 
ment of Area — Broad Avenues — Grades — Wants — Con- 
solidation of the Boroughs— Cleanliness— Wo rkingmen — 
Means of Mental Improvement — Morals — Means by which 
Public Prosperity is Preserved — Churches— Sunday Schools 
— Public Libraries — Benevolent Associations— Mills — Facto- 
ries—Military Companies— Oil and Paper Mill — Nail and 
Iron Works — Foundries and Machine Shops — Fire Compa- 
nies — Banks —Savings Fund — Stage Lines — Railroads — Tel- 
egraph. 

Norristovvn lias been happily exempt from the effects 
of that ill management and want of correct foresight, 
that is felt by the citizens of numerous towns in the 
United States, when increase of population requires an 
increase of area and the extension of streets. Many 
towns had their commencement at cross-roads, or 
where several roads centred,andthe tavern, store and 
blacksmith shop, formed the nucleus of the future 
city; dwellings extended along the roads and became 
streets, running at such angles as to destroy all conve- 
nience and symmetry. So far as the village is con- 
cerned the disadvantages are scarcely heeded, and as 
no one expects to see a town or city in his generation, 
but little heed is taken to provide for the future or 
anticipate an}^ of the wants of a growing community. 
Thus things continue until the growth of the place 
gives it a prominence not anticipated ; manufacture 
and trade having increased its population and wealth 
the public desire to improve its physical features. But 
during this transition state, no one has cared aboutany 
thing but his own local convenience and profit, streets 
having been extended at most unsightly and embarrass. 

LofO. 



100 XORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

ing' angles, and houses built upon tlicm without regard 
to beauty and comfort. 

But when the time lias arrived in which it is an 
absolute necessity to have crooked avenues straightened 
and widened, and their crossings converted to right 
angles, property has so far appreciated, that corpo- 
rate authorities start back in alarm at the herculean 
task, and the enoi-mous expenses that meet an attempt 
at improvement. Thus generations are saddled with 
serious disabilities by the stupidity or selfishness of 
those who preceded them in the organization of com- 
munities, when a very little liberality and common 
sense would have provided an early and easy remedy. 

Another source of evil has beset some of our inland 
towns, and cramped their prosperity. Frequently, 
persons owning property contiguous to or within the 
corporate limits, perversely refuse to sell a foot of 
land, to give the town room. Thus pent up. business 
stagnates and the growth of the community is retard- 
ed until Ancient Fogy goes to the land of shades, and 
his' more liberal and enlightened inheritors give ample 
scope and verge to municipal wants, whilst they there- 
by increase their wealth tifty-fold. 

So far as we have viewed the borough in this as" 
pect, we believe her squares are verv nearly at ]-ight 
angles, and as a consequence there is a harmony of 
proportion that pleases the eye of every stranger. 
The streets also are of good width, the pavements 
broad and well laid. Egypt street, upon which the 
greater amount of trade centers, is a fine, broad av- 
enue, capable of accommodating a thi'oug of popula- 
tion to any extent. Nor is there any danger that she 
will be hampered in her future growth for want of 
area, as her city fathers have not been unmindful, in 
due time, to make provision for such a contingency. 
A very ample area is now ready for occupanc>' ibr 
all who may desire to build and throw in their lot 



PIISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. ' 101 

with an intelligent and moral community, in posses 
sion of eveiTthing that makes life enjoyable. 

We are not pre}3ared to say, however, that mistakes 
have not been made in relation to some of the main 
streets of the borough. The grade of DeKalb and 
Swede streets, from Egypt beyond Airy, is greater 
than it should be, and it should have been reduced, 
even if expensive, at the proper period. This defect 
cannot now, and probably never will be, remedied ; 
future generations will have cause to regret the short- 
sightedness that failed to grapple with a difficulty so 
comparatively trifling ; and wlien bound in ice, hap- 
less wights will yet mourn over broken limbs as they 
hope the ancient city fathers are enjoying a very warm 
region. 

Bridgeport, we believe, is well laid out, and has 
likewise sufficient room for extension for some years 
to come. Except the Yalley and Heading railroads, 
there is but little to prevent the corporate authorities 
preserving the uniformity of the borough and render- 
ing it an inviting and desirable locality. A little 
money, judiciously expended, will preserve the town 
from future evils, and elicit the gratitude and respect 
of the generations yet to live within its borders. We 
do not live for the present merely, either morally or 
otherwise; one generation should study the happiness 
of future generations, nor should it entail upon them 
evils which a plain and honest sense of duty required 
it to remove, when removal was both timely and ex- 
jiedient. 

Among the wants of Bridgeport, gas has not yet 
found its way; as a consequence its roads and streets 
furnish but poor facilities at night to the pedestrian ; 
its citizens will not be long, we presume, without 
this necessary agent. Thus far, too, the well supplies 
the water. 

The contiguity of Norristown and Bridgeport, sep- 
arated by the river only, yet connected by two bridges, 



102' NOREISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

that subserve the purposes of streets, would seem to 
dictate the policy of uniting them under one corpo- 
rate authority, and there can be little doubt tiiat time 
will eventually knit them toofcther. This will be 
done when corporate indebtedness and local interests 
are equalized. Then, also, substantial stone bridges, 
in place of the present gloomy and comparatively un- 
substantial ones, will be an absolute want ; having no 
toll house or toll gatlierer, to arrest the free tide of 
travel and virtually prevent the hundreds of families 
in humble circumstances having access to every part 
of the vicinity. We presume upon no advice, we but 
point to necessary contingencies. 

Among the advantages of Norristown, in relation 
to physical comfort, which her inhabitants enjoy ah 
most as largely as a city, is the general air of comfort 
and cleanliness. We do not say there is no poverty 
or filth, in those quarters where pinched necessity and 
individual nnthriftiness and laziness hang out their 
well marked signs ; but few places have a more happy 
exemption from that ill starred destitution, which so 
generally festers upon the outskirts and by-places of 
almost every dense community. This is the more re- 
markable in consideration of tlie existence of a large 
class of the population who have to labor daily to sus- 
tain the interests and supply the wants of the family. 
But, though the earnings of those who daily, with 
sober regularity, wend their way to the factory, the 
mill or the machine shop, are not sources of wealth, 
and incomes are comparatively humble, their cer- 
tainty and regularity at the end of the week or 
month, relieve the man of toil from those harassing in- 
quietudes which make life a burthen. With proper 
thrift and industry, he can have the certainty of a 
living, and very few cases of absolute destitution can 
occur, without his being the most active agent in pro- 
ducing it. The wants of life with the laborer are 
really few and not expensive in their supply. Though 



HISTORY OP THE BOROUGHS. 103 

the fare be coarse, comparatively, it can be pure and 
sweet, and tend toliealtli and a robustness that surfeited 
wealth must envj. With a good conscience and so- 
briety, he can reap a large share of those innumer- 
able advantages which flow in so profuse a stream 
through society. A few dollars can purchase him a 
mine of knowledge, and liis fragments of time, so 
often wasted and despised, enable him to search its 
depths and possess himself of its treasures. No man, 
if he has not honestly tried the experiment, can esti- 
mate, or believe, what an immense fund of knowledge 
may be acquired in those murdered moments, which 
men esteem as nothing. Elihu Burritt, a journeyman 
blacksmith, the wonder of his age as a linguist, and 
Hugh Miller, a stone cutter, eminent in geological re- 
search, acquired their knowledge, for the most part, 
during the fragments of which we have spoken. They 
were the sons of severe toil, but that toil was cheered 
by the light of intelligence, unfolding day by day its 
increasing brightness. 

If the man of toil cannot purchase his books, the 
public library, at an exceedingly low rate, affords him 
an extensive field, in which he cannot fail to reap a 
large harvest of improvement. Indeed this resource 
is especially adapted to his wants and circumstances, 
by being entirely within his reach. Let him, if he 
has never done so, try the experiment, when his even- 
ing meal has been talvcn; repair to the well stocked 
libraries on DeKalb street, and having procured a 
well written history, or work on science, inexorably 
fix for himself a rule that two hours of the twenty- 
four shall be carefully employed in its perusal, and he 
w^ill soon be astonished at his mental enlargement. 
What though his supper has been garnished with no 
dainty viands, when it is over he can roam with Ali- 
son the vast theatre of Europe, and see the build- 
ing up and overthrow of nations; or with Dick tra- 
verse the planetary heavens and study the glories of 



104 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Orion and the Pleiades; or with Milton learn how 
Paradise was lost and regained! Thus bursting the 
bounds of his narrow empire, his mind will delight in 
regions in whicli it will be elevated and ennobled. 

But the truth that the position of the laborer in- 
duces him too frequently to esteem his animal propen- 
sities of more consideration than the growth of his 
mind, is too obvious to dispute. With the means 
completely within his grasp, he neglects the latter. 
Hence the catering to appetite and its consequent de- 
pravity, the idling at the public house, or restaurant, 
or beer saloon, which keep him in an eternal bondage, 
a self constituted slave. 

These, so far we believe as Norristown is con- 
cerned, are exceptions; the laboring class are gener- 
ally comfortable, moral and industrious, and we notice 
but very little in the appearance of their homesteads 
that denotes a life of idleness and depravity. In 
many we find cheering evidences of a high moral 
standard, and the conversation of the members of the 
household, and the books carefully arranged upon the 
table, evidence mental cultivation. 

As we look into the walk of life where men 
tread with greater social ease and comfort, the dwel- 
ling and the general intelligence have a corresponding 
development. As a consequence we find the most 
pleasing air of comfort, and in many instances of el- 
egance. Though many old fashioned houses yet main- 
tain their positions against the invasion of improvement 
upon Egypt street, above that quarter the comforta- 
ble ranges of brick, with the quiet features of home 
looking out upon the street, or the neat cottage, mod- 
estly retiring within the line of its more stately neigh- 
bors, meet the eye of the observer. The compara- 
tive cheapness of marble, which the extensive belt 
running through Montgomery county furnishes, has 
brought that material into very common use, and its 
pure facings are found in every quarter of the town. 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. ' 105 

The step, the lintel, the hall, the pilaster, the portico, 
or the entire building, furnishes anextersive demand 
for it; and tiie grave yards and cemeteries have their 
gloom enlivened by it. Should wealth, and its atten- 
dant, luxury, induce the erection of more stately piles, 
after the classic models of Greece, there is a conve- 
nient and ample store house of material in tlie valley 
of the Schuylkill, from which the hill can be adorned 
in every form of architecture. 

These home looking avenues, thronged by well or- 
dered, peaceful and intelligent citizens, in various walks 
of life, give to Norristown an attractiveness, in addi- 
tion to her scenery, that must win the regard of all 
who wish to live where physical and social blessings 
abound, and where every thing within and around the 
growing community, indicates increase and prosperity. 
An intimate acquaintance with the place will show a 
moral and intellectual progress, which, though equal- 
led by many other towns of similar dimensions, affords 
the most cheering evidence that our institutions are 
admirably adapted to the development of communi- 
ties : that the members thereof learn their true 
value, and the best means by which they may be per- 
petuated. 

A very superficial glance, indeed, will let the mind 
of the observer perceive how such a community as 
that of Norristown, can hardly retrograde or remain 
stationary in mind and morals. The vast array of 
moral and mental machinery, once reviewed, will show 
the inherent strength and stamina she possesses. — 
She has, as the foundation of her moral structure, 
fourteen churches; which, though governed by diver- 
sity of religious sentiment, tend inevitably by their 
constant teachings to elevate the standard of public 
virtue. They differ as to means, but the great end to 
be attained is the same ; the,y are but travellers upon 
roads which evenrually converge upon one terminus. 
Their labors are intended to give stability to both in- 



106 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

dividual and general purposes, and whilst the Bible 
is presented as the great text book of knowledge, and 
its precepts a safe guidance, the people feel a sense of 
security in making it their standard. We must there- 
fore, after making a fair discount for bigotry or en- 
thusiasm, honestly award to the fourteen churches, 
with their four thousand two hundred members, a very 
large share of the means by which the people are 
shielded from the assaults of vice. 

Auxiliary to this, and having an intimate relation, 
the Sunday schools, containing two hundred and sixty- 
seven teachers, two thousand one hundred and ninety 
pupils, and seven thousand six hundred and fifty-seven 
volumes in their libraries, give to the youth of the bo- 
roughs a training eminently calculated to make them 
good citizens, who may teach in their turn, the admi- 
rable precepts which benevolent men and women now so 
sedulously, without money or price, endeavor to com- 
mend to the inquiring mind. In the same train of en- 
deavor, we have the Bible classes, Christian and other 
associations. These constitute some of the important 
I'evers by which society is elevated. 

But though of the highest importance, they are 
very far from being all the appliances necessary to 
the public welfare. Eight private and four public 
schools, with thirty-five or forty teachers, and twelve 
hundred pupils, daily prepare the youth of the bo- 
roughs to assume the stations in life which their bent 
and circumstances indicate. These are the great el- 
ementary drill fields, where the mind is to be strength- 
ened, and procure its armor for the great battle of 
life. They are the manufactories of legislators, ju- 
rists and statesmen ; and from them the rough and un- 
gainly mind can come, better fashioned for the trials 
of citizenship, than were trained by those of Lacsede- 
monian fame, of which Greece once so proudly boast- 
ed. Our public schools, yet in the infancy of their 
power and usefulness, in the legitimate and perfect de- 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 107 

velopment of centuries, will become the great, pop- 
ular means of intellectual refinement, by which the 
youth of the Commonwealth will be enabled to step 
from the lowest to the highest round of elementary 
knowledge, in every branch of science. 

Among the organizations of a more purely intellec- 
tual character in which the student of older growth 
can make useful researches, two public libraries, con- 
taining about thirty-five hundred volumes, and con- 
stantly increasing, present their claims to his atten- 
tion, and invite vfith silent, yet resistless eloquence, 
the consecration of his hours too often devoted to list- 
less ease, or debasing inanity. By their means, a pow- 
er greater than was possessed by the magians of old, 
he can silently roam the world's boundaries and en- 
rich himself with its knowledge. It will impart with- 
out stint ; give forever without exhaustion. 

The social, and as we believe, moral appliances, are 
strengthened by the existence of various benevolent 
associations. Of these, comprising Masons, Odd Fel- 
lows, and others, there are thirteen, containing over 
eight hundred members, whose weekly meetings and 
interchange of thought extend personal acquaintance, 
and confirm numerous friendshijts. A proper person- 
al pride is developed by such associations, and every 
one generally desires to understand and practice upon 
the rules of good breeding and courtesy, whilst he is 
being disciplined in those rules of order which have 
a governing influence wherever he goes. The attri- 
tion of mind, too, in these assemblages, rubs off the 
tangents and salient points, and harmony'and a correct 
understanding of human character, under various 
phases, are obtained. There is a stratum of benevo- 
lence also running through these organizations that 
develops the better feelings of our nature, and dispo- 
ses us to commiserate the conditions of penury and 
necessity. 

Now we take it that all this is a mass of moral ma- 



IDS NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

cliinery, that means something — that does something. 
Singly vieu^ed, eacli organization does not seem of 
much effect, insufficient, scarcel}^ to attract a momen- 
tary consideration ; but view them in the aggregate, 
walk carefully and circumspectly around the great 
social fabric, and mark well these levers slowly but 
constantly raising it above selfishness, want, debauch- 
ery and crime. Contrast the condition of aboriginal 
life in the forest, upon the hill now crowned by the 
marble temple of justice, where the child of passion 
and ferocity bound his victim to the stake, and gloat- 
ed over his ingeniously protracted tortures, with socie- 
ty now, with all its wonderful means of self presei^- 
vation, and we may readily see what all these levers 
arc doing for the community. Cherishing these insti- 
tutions in a proper and legitimate spirit, the people 
will grow wiser and better, and consequently happier 
in all their relations, as our country extends her in- 
stitutions, and the policy of her government over the 
continent. 

But to these vast moral resources, we must add 
those of a physical nature, yet having intimate rela- 
tions to the former. It is said by some political econ- 
omist, that a nation is bound to feed, clothe, and pro- 
tect herself. If this is so, Norristown and Bridgeport 
are amply fulfilling the conditions of such a duty. 
Within their bounds are five flouring mills, with 
nineteen pairs of burrs, driven by steam and water, 
and capable of grinding a thousand bushels of wheat 
per day, or manufacturing two hundred barrels of 
flour, besides other bread stuffs. So that whilst the 
farmer has the certainty of a crop, the inhalntants of 
the town fully co-operate in furnishing a supply of 
food. The next great want is also, to a large extent, 
supplied within their corporate limits. From day to 
day, the spindle and the loom are hurried through 
their never tiring tasks. Five cotton factories and 
one woolen factory run forty-three thousand, six huii- 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. ' 103 

dred and sixtj^-eiglit spindles, fifteen hundred and 
sixty-one looms, and employ nearly twelve hundred 
hands. The aggregate yards of fabric manufactur- 
ed, and the amount of capital employed have not been 
ascertained. 

In this chain of connection we may enumerate four 
military companies, with two field pieces, two hun- 
dred rifles and muskets, and two hundred and fifty 
men and officers. Though this last power in the 
community has, in certain contingencies, a fearful 
duty to perform, it often constitutes, amid the turbu- 
lent passions of men, a part of the collective means 
of public safety. In these appliances and resources, 
of mills and means of war, the idea of food, clothing 
and defense, the boroughs have come fully up to the 
standard required by the economist. 

Their manufacturing interests, however, include 
more than cottons and woolens, with all their busy 
spindles and looms. The boroughs have an Oil Mill, 
Paper Mill, three Nail and Iron Works, three 
Foundries and Machine Shops, one Furnace and four 
Planing Mills, driven by seventeen engines, of an 
aggregate of six hundred and fifty-six horse power, 
and employing over five hundred hands. These iron 
sinews, in conjunction with the vigorous arms of the 
sons of toil, daily throw into the marts of trade, the 
productions of skill and industry. The variety of 
labor constitues divisions that render the investment 
of capital profitable, and give a more ample field for 
inventive power and improved means of production. 

Against an element that sweeps away in an hour 
the labor and wealth of years, the citizens have not 
forgotten to provide a formidable antagonist. To 
conquer one element by another, they have four Fire 
Companies, with five liundred and thirty-six mem- 
bers, and the requisite machinery to operate against 
so subtle and inexorable an enemy as fire; and, as 
the population increases, with a consequent increase 



110 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

of risk, the Steam Fire Engine, must ere long be- 
come an institution in Norristown. 

In the Bank, Savings Fund and Building Associa- 
tions, the accumulations of labor find secure places of 
deposit, and in many of them a profitable investment. 
These too, with an aggregate capital of about seven 
hundred thousand dollars, supply strength to the 
sinews of trade. Their operations build houses, mills, 
foundries and engines, buy and improve farms, and 
give impetus and force to a thousand ramifications of 
business. The inducements they present to the 
humblest citizen to save his earnings not required by 
the daily wants of his family, are greater than appear 
to him at first sight. It is the accumulation of the 
first hundred dollars that leads to fortune, by stimu- 
lating hope, industry and thrift, and the Savings 
Fund is the place to enable the depositor to get the 
fortunate and talismanic sum together. The cutting 
off of a few luxuries, or of the indulgence of some dele- 
terious habit, soon enables him to accomplish this, 
and the after growth can be made surprisingly rapid. 

These are a part of the strictly local appliances of 
the citizens of a place whose privileges are of so en- 
viable a character. But the inhabitant, whilst enjoy- 
ing all these, and many more not enumerated, has a 
reach beyond them that connects him with distance 
almost as far as his wishes may go. He has eight 
stage lines that take him to various places across the 
country not within reach of more speedy communi- 
cations ; upon more public routes, at a marvellously 
small rate, the steam horse rapidly conquers dis- 
tance for him and carries him to the marts of com- 
merce in a space of time that cheapens and gives un- 
paralleled facilities to all his business pursuits. If 
the rapidity of ihis power does not suit the eagerness 
of his wants, the electric telegrapii makes them known 
with almost the celerity of thought. The current 
prices of whatever he wishes to sell, or purchase, can 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. Ill 

be ascertained in Boston, New York, Pliiladelphia or 
New Orleans, before it is possible for any one to over- 
reach him in a bargain, by a sudden change in the 
market. Of these wonderful means of distant com- 
munication he constantly avails himself. 

These great physical resources, combined with the 
mental, moral and religious, before enumerated, can- 
not fail to show how it is that Norristown and 
Bridgeport have a commendable and healthy growth, 
and that it is almost impossible that deterioration can 
ever befall them. They are upon the road of pro- 
gress; not the progress that seeks, to annihilate every 
thing in its way with a blind impetuosity, without 
planting something better in its stead, but that 
which supplants corroded and useless things, by 
those that have life, health, and vigor. With so many 
levers to prosperity no one need be astonished if the 
population should be nearly doubled in the census of 
1870, and that their populous .streets be greatly ex- 
tended and adorced. 



CHAPTER XIIL 

State of Sooiety — Hospitality — Execution — Public Houses aud 
Dwellings in 1793 — Stores— Times of 1795— Houses, Popu- 
lation, &c., in 1803 — Extent of Norristown in 1812 — Im- 
pulse in 1832— Wards in 1847— Wards in 1842— Taxabks 
and Population — Cabinet of Natural Science — First House — 
HuPor tail— Bridge at DeKalb Street— Swedes' Ford— Wil- 
liam jNIoore Smith. 

The structure of socieh' in the boroughs is affected, 
as everywhere else, b\' yarioiis pursuits and circuui- 
stances, and by the different stages of mental and 
moral development. The last, whatever may be 
the worldly fortune of the person, are always pass- 
ports to good society, and will receive an honest re- 
cognition from those who have been equally fortunate 
in their acquirements, and more so in the acquisitions 
of' fortune. Approached with a courteous and in- 
telligent address, their citizens are always accessible, 
in every walk of life, ready to impart information or 
extend tlie hospitality of the fireside. Tliis may be 
quite emphatically said, without disparagement to 
others, of the descendants of the Swedish and Ger- 
man settlers, with Avhom the rites of hospitality in the 
early times were almost sacred. It was said by 
Burns, so high was his admiration of the hospitable 
feelings of the Scottish Highlanders, that when he ar- 
rived at the gates of Paradise, he should ask nothing 
better than a Highland welcome. The elements, 
however, of which society now consists, do not war- 
rant so large a confidence in the stranger, as was 
practiced among the Highlands, or the early settlers 
of Merion and Norriton. Knavery has become shai-p- 
ened in modern days to the keenest intensity ; and 
deception has so many veils to hide its deformity, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. Il3 

under which it can successfully practice upon cre- 
dulity and confidence, that no one can throw off 
entirely the armor of suspicion or caution that is to 
protect him from bein<> overreached. 

Hence a stranger in Norristown, if he look not 
beneath the cold surface of things, might readily 
come to the mistaken conclusion tliat her people were 
unsocial and distant. A proper acquaintance will 
show as ready a hospitality and social intercourse as 
is compatible with a just discretion and judgment. 
The terms upon which every one is, or should be, ad- 
mitted to good society, the possession of fair intelli- 
gence and sound moral character, are both reasonable 
and just; of which none can reasonably complain, be- 
cause they are within the reach of all. He that 
grumbles upon the threshold of such a barrier, so 
necessary to guard the interests of every family and 
elevate the standard of public morality, would pay 
himself a more marked and deserved compliment, by 
qualifying himself to pass it. It is more then proba- 
ble that a few families wrap themselves up in a proud 
and selfish seclusion : but they are more severely 
punished than tliose who cannot secure their social 
respect ; the bestowment of that magnanimous regard 
and friendly solicitude, which the kind and social man 
elicits, are unknown and unenjoyed by the selfish and 
exclusive. Speaking under general rules, which only 
can be applied to communities, we do not hesitate to 
avow that Norristown and Bridgeport have as much 
operative kindness, christian feeling, social inter- 
course and hospitality, as any other communities in 
the State. 

It is stated that there has been but one execution in 
Montgomery county since its organization ; this was 
a person by the name of John Brown, who was con- 
victed of burglary, and suffered death therefor in the 
year 1788, at which time such a crime was in the list 
of capital offences. He was hung in Airy street, in 



114 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

rear of the old jail, and the choice of the public 
highway for the execution gave rise to much comment 
and censure. The Sheriff appeared to hive had no 
alternative, as the owners of lots and fie'ds would not 
consent to the desecration of their premises to such a 
purpose. 

The public houses now in the boroughs number 
eleven : in 1793 they numbered four in Norristown, 
which then contained but the court house and jail, 
eight dwelling houses, a mill, school house and barn, 
or seventeen buildings altogether. Among the tav- 
erns flourished the Rising Sun, Gen. Washington and 
Eagle : the latter being a national bird probably had 
his wings expanded a proper length, but there can be 
no comparison with tiie manner in which the fiery- 
eyed bird of Jove spreads his feathers now-a-days, 
when he takes a swoop around the continent. The 
Eagle was kept by a person named Rudolph; the 
Rising Sun, by Jesse Roberts, and the Gen. Washing- 
ton by Alexander Moore ; the latter house is said to 
be the one now occupied by David Heebner. Two 
stores added their attractions to the infant town, and 
drew the admiring matrons to their counters. 

These latter important appendages presented an 
appearance more accordant with the more primitive 
maimers and wants of those days. Goods of all de- 
scriptions were mixed up somewhat promiscuously; 
every article for the household could be had there, 
almost as much as could be enumerated, from "Land's 
End to Johnny Groats.'' The clerk, too, was a staid 
young gentleman, in good favor with all the kindly 
matrons and comely lasses ; not the dapper individual 
who in modern days, in our large cities, sports a mus- 
tache and drives tandem on Broadway, and will most 
courteously sell you all creation at nine months. Our 
modern stores, too, on the Egypt thoroughfare, are in 
marked contrast. Since 1793 time's busy finger has 
unravelled many a business web and given the iufinito 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 115 

varieties of trade different relations. Of old, the 
storekeeper Avas cloth merchant, i^rocer, apothecary, 
post master, ironmonger, wool-factor, bookseller and 
stationer, squire, banker and leading politician; and 
his store was the people's hall of Congress, where all 
national troubles were healed much cheaper than they 
are now. But look at Egypt street, with its sub- 
divisions of 1860, each one also in its own indepen- 
dent domain, wonderfully expanded and enriched! 
The ample and handsomely arrayed front, flashing 
with gorgeous gas light and jewels, and fabrics fur- 
nished by every clime, there make their audacious de- 
mands upon the purse, and take the shopper by storm. 
If you want drugs, or dry goods, or books, or any- 
thing else that belongs to the world's infinite wants, 
you must go to their special mart, where each variety 
is arrayed and disposed of upon its own merits. 

In 1795, Norristown is spoken of os having groAvn 
to twenty houses, exclusive of the public buildings, a 
most prodigious stride in two years; one that did not 
betoken the town of sixty-five years afterwards, when 
the German Ajax defied the Hector of the shore. 
Then were the palmy days of the river wars, and of 
fish — the days of shad and herring, that furnished to 
the morning repast the freshest and most tempting 
tribute of the rippling stream. 

In 1803 the town was supposed to have contained 
about fifty houses, and about two hundred inhabitants, 
the dwellings, generally one-story in height, and built 
of logs or boards ; it boasted also three taverns, one 
store, one small school house, three lawyej^s and one 
doctor. It was the county seat, hence the gentlemen 
who kept the road of equity open and took their le- 
gitimate toll, were an early institution. Since then 
they have greatly multiplied in number and learnino-, 
forming a very important embodiment of intelligence 
and refinement, and adorning the circles of social 
life. The physician, too, of 1803, the solitary pio- 



116 N0RRI3T0WN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

ncer of his most invaluable and indispensable pro- 
fession, would startle were he now in the flesh, to 
see the mutiplication of his successors and scan the 
vast accumulations now familiar to medical science, 
sedulously gathered by patient industry and research, 
and embodied for the benefit of the race. 

The fathers of 1803 did not dream of turnpikes or 
pavements, but were content to haul tan for the bet- 
ter convenience of the residents in passing along the 
fronts of their dwellings. Swede street was said to 
be the only one that ran to the Schuylkill at that 
time, and the banks of the river were shaded with 
rows of buttonwood and beach trees, beneath which, 
from Stony Creek to Swedes' Ford, a most delight- 
ful walk was laid out for the public convenience. 
Then no dam interrupted the flowing current, and the 
lovely islands, upon which Calypso and her nymphs 
would have delighted to sportin the silver moonlight, 
gave a charm to the scenery which modern days will 
never rival. Upon this river promenade many a 
youthful friendship has been formed, and many a tale 
of love whispered — the stars witnessed the vows and 
time indited the record, whether they were broken or 
kept. 

In 1812, when the town became incorporated, it is 
supposed to have contained about one hundred houses, 
and five hundred inhabitants. The borough extend- 
ed from Stony Creek to the line of Plymouth town- 
ship ; Sawmill run flowing nearly through its middle. 
This was a slow growth, since the time Mr. Smith 
laid out its narrow borders, twenty-eight years before, 
and offers no comparison with the magic celerity that 
now founds cities and populates States. The first im- 
petus of importance was not given until 1832, when 
capitalists turned their attention to the commanding- 
water power of the Schuylkill, and made it subservi- 
ent to manufacturing interests. As these interests 
accumulated, labor was more and more in demand, 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. ' 117 

d skilled industry flowed in from abroad. The era 
of steam succeeded that of Mater force, proving- a 
more certain and more ])Owerful auxiliary. 

In 1847 the boroudi was divided into two Wards, 
TJpperand Lower; the Upper Ward, in 1849, contained 
five hundred and seventy-nine taxables, or three thous- 
and four hundred and seventy-four inhabitants ; the 
Lower, four hundred and ten taxables, or two thousand 
four hundred and sixty inhabitants. 

In 1852, by Act of Assembly, the borough was 
divided into three Wards, Upper, Middle and Lower. 
In 1858 the upper Ward contained nine hundred 
and fifty-seven taxables, or five thousand seven hun- 
dred and forty-two inhabitants ; the Middle, three 
hundred and ninety-three taxables, or two thousand 
three hundred and fifty-eight inhabitants ; the Lower, 
six hundred and four taxables, or three thousand six 
hundred and twenty-four inhabitants ; making an ag- 
gregate of nineteen hundred and fifty-four taxables, 
and eleven thousand seven hundred and twenty-four 
inhabitants. 

The enumeration of the inhabitants in 1858, is be- 
lieved to be a pretty fair approximation, the taxables 
being rated at one-sixth. If the census of that year 
is correct, by this standard, the population of the 
borough must now be over twelve thousand. The 
Wards, by the triennial assessment of the same year, 
had one million, eight hundred and twenty-one thou- 
sand, seven hundred and eighty-one dollar's worth of 
real estate, and of horses and cattle, seventeen thou- 
sand seven hundred and ninety-five dollars. The 
Upper Ward real estate was estimated at seven hun- 
dred and twelve thousand four hundred and twenty- 
seven dollars, and horses and cattle, ten thousand and 
forty dollars ; the real estate of Middle Ward, five 
hundred and fifty-eight thousand, six hundred and 
seventy-five dollars, horses and cattle, three thousand 
four hundred and twenty-five ; Lower Ward, real es- 



118 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

fate, five hundred and fifty thousand, six hundred and 
seventy-nine dollars, the horses and cattle four thous- 
and, three hundred and thirty. 

Among the useful institutions of Norristown, a Cab- 
inet of Natural Science may be enumerated. This 
was started in 1830, Peter A. Brown, Esq., giving it 
his able counsel and support. Its importance was not 
fully valued, as it languished, and the specimens col- 
lected ])ecame scattered ; recently some efforts have 
been made to collect and arrange the lost collection. 
In a county so rich in mineral wealth no effort should 
be spared to secure the finest specimens of her quar- 
ries and mines. In addition to this, her floras would 
be a source of value, not forgetting the specimens of 
the various orders and genera of wood that adorn 
her forests and water courses. There is now, we be- 
lieve, a complete organization of intelligent citizens, 
who desire to make up for previous neglect. 

The first house in Norristown is said to have stood 
upon the southeast side of where the Ridge road 
crosses Stony Creek ; it was used as an Inn, and called 
the Norrington House. It was marked upon SculFs 
map in 1770. 

It is stated that General DuPortail was the son-in- 
law of the celebrated Count Pulaski, one of the de- 
termined spirits of Poland, who sympathised with, 
and fought for, the patriots of 1776. DuPortail was 
a man of wealth, and having been charmed with the 
scenery of the Schuylkill, was induced to purchase 
part of the Holstein tract for a future residence, but 
died on a voyage to his native country, France. Mr. 
Buck states that the General resided upon his land 
until 1800, when he sailed for France. Mr. B., in 
this connection, says : — "A portrait of DuPortail may 
be seen in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, having 
formerl}- been in the Pealc collection. Shortly after 
his death, the property, with about two hundred acres 
of land, was sold to Elisha Evans, who, in 1810, sold 



HISTORY OF THE BOROUGHS. 119 

off forty acres to Robert Jones. With tliis exception, 
Mr. Evans retained the balance as farm land until 
his death, in 1830, when it came into possession of his 
son, the present Cadwalader Evans.'' 

"In that year Bridgeport contained three dwelling 
houses, a tavern, and a large three-storied stone mill, 
which latter still stands near the canal on DeKalb 
street, and was built in 1826. It was through the 
liberality of Elisha Evans that the canal was made 
through tlie whole length of his property. The erec- 
tion of the Norristown bridge in 1829, and the open- 
ing of the State road in 1830, began to give the first 
impulse to improvement, which has not since been 
materially checked. 

"The bridge over the Schuylkill, on DeKalb street, 
is eight hundred feet long, and with the abutments, 
one thousand and fifty feet. It rests upon three stone 
piers, and cost thirty-one thousand two hundred dollars. 
Of this amount, the county subscribed ten thousand 
dollars, and the State six thousand dollars. It was 
erected by a joint slock company, chartered upon the 
sixth of April, 1830; it was finished the same year. 
Previous to the erection, efforts were made at differ- 
ent times to build such a structure, but failed for 
want of capital. For this purpose the legislature 
chartered a company iu 1815. 

"The name of Swedes' Ford must have been ap- 
plied to the fording ground before 1723, as in No- 
vember of that year application was made to the 
Governor and Council to have a road laid out from 
Whiteland, in Chester county, to this ford, which, in 
the spring of the following year, was confirmed, and 
ordered to be with all convenient speed, opened, 
cleared, and made good. A portion of the old 
Swedes' Ford tavern, now owned by Colonel Bush, 
was supposed by the late Matthias Holstein, to have 
been built before 1730. He at one time kept it as a 
public house, and built an addition to it. Near by 



120 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

stood the twin pines, so called from the fact of their 
growing from one butt and separating about four feet 
from tlie ground, and thence growing in close prox- 
imity to a very great height, and serving as a land 
jnark to the country around. These trees were a 
remnant of the ancient forest, and on this account 
were preserved from violence and regarded with in- 
terest. One of tliem was blown down during the 
prevalence of a violent storm on Easter Sunday, 
1822 ; the other flourished until about 1842, when it 
began to show symptoms of decay, and, by 1847, had 
so far pined away in stately grandeur, that as a mat- 
ter of prudence it was cut down, measuring over 
two feet in diameter. Sherman Day, the distinguished 
author of the Historical Collections of Pennsylvania, 
and who was here in 1841, thus speaks of it : — 'A 
tall and solitary pine, a remnant of the ancient forest, 
still stands beside the old Swedes' Ford tavern, like 
some faithful sentinel; some years since it had a 
companion, and the two formed a beautiful head.'" 

Of William Moore Smith, who laid out the town of 
JYorris, Mr. Buck remarks : — ''His father was con- 
sidered one of the most accomplished scholars of 
Philadelphia, and it was through his exertions that 
the University of that city owes its origin, and of 
which he was elected the first Provost. He was early 
admitted to the ministry of the Episcopal Church 
in Philadelphia, of which he was pastor for many 
years. William Moore was his eldest son, and was 
born in the city, June 1st, 1759. It appears as if he 
liad inherited a taste for letters, for he was early dis- 
tinguished for the extent and variety of his acquire- 
ments. In his general character he was a gentleman 
of the old school, of highly polished education and 
manners, and in his day, a poet of considerable repu- 
tation. He lived in Norristown for some time, and 
we know as late as 1789, if not later." 



DIRECTORY. 



NORRISTOWN 



ABBREVIATIONS. 

B, R railroad ; r River ; r rear; N North'; S South; E East; 
W West ; ab above; al alley; bel below ; n side north side; s side 
south tide; e side east side; w side -wc^^ side; tp township ; rd 
road; coVd colored ; c corner ; opp oppostYe; h /loitsc. 



Aaron Samuel, shingler, h Lafayette bel Cherry 

Abbott Susan, widow Howard, h n side Egypt bel Green 

Abel Jacob, (col'd) laborer, h s side basin bet Willow and 
Powell 

Abraham Ann, widow Joseph, h w side DeKalb ab Marshall 

Acker Ephraim L., County Superintendent Schools, and pro- 
prietor "Register & Watchman," h e side Swede ab Airy 

Acker William, grocer, w side Cherry c Airy, h s side Airy 
ab Cherry 

Acker Esther widow Peter, h w side Cherry ab Airy 

Ackley Benjamin, shoe maker, h n side Penn bet Cherry and 
Barbadoes 

Addy George, laborer, h n side Airy bel Walnut 

Adel Theodore, blacksmith, h 104 Egypt 

Adle Sarah M. , milliner, h 88 Egypt 

Adle Jacob, furniture, Swede c Lafayette, h 88 Egypt 

Adrion Frederick, baker, Egypt ab Arch, h Egypt ab Arch 

Albertson Morton J., banker, Swede opp Court House, hw 
side DeKalb ab Wood 

Albertson L. J., banker, Swede opp Court House, h at Ply- 
mouth township 

Alker Jacob, barber, w side DeKalb ab Washington, h La- 
fayette bel Swede 

Allabaugh William, tailor, Egypt c DeKalb, h n side Egypt ab 
Walnut 

Allabaugh Joseph L., lawyer, 5 Airy, h Farmers' & Mechanics' 
hotel 

Allen Thomas, carpenter, h Egypt bel Chain 



124 N0RRI3T0WN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Altemus Daniel, bridge tender, Norristown Bridge Company, 

h foot DeKalb 
Altemus George F., h foot DeKalb 
Altemus Thomas, painter, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
Amber Hiram, shoemaker, n side Egypt ab Mill, h n side Egypt 

ab Mill 
Ambers Harrison, machinist, h s side Penn ab Walnut 
Ambers Ann, h w side Arch ab Airy 
Ambers Ellen, operator, h w side Arch ab Airy 
Amey George, liquor and coal, s side Egypt c Barbadoes, h w 

side Cherry bel Chestnut 
Amos Samuel H., Rev., (col'd) shoemaker, s side Pennab Arch, 

h s side Penn ab Arch 
Anderson Rachel, widow Thomas, s side Airy ab Walnut 
Anderson Abraham G., engineer, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Anderson Isaac, physician, h w side Cherry bel Marshall 
Anderson John, carter, h Farmers' & Mechanics' Hotel 
Andrews Joel W., brickmaker at Bridgeport, h Montgomery 

Hotel 
Anslee William, carpenter, h Lafayette bet Cherry & Barbadoes 
Armbruster Joseph, cooper, h Egypt c Green 
Armbruster Jacob, baker, h 74 Egypt 
Apple Anna, servant. Farmers' & Mechanics' Hotel 
Arnold Henry G., painter, s side Egypt c Mill 
Arnold George W., proprietor Norris City Hotel, n side Egypt 

opp Mill 
Arnold Thomas G., nailer, h s side Chestnut c Willow 
Arnold John A., painter, n side Egypt bel Mill, h do 
Ascr Markus, provisions, s side Egypt ab Ford, h s side Egypt 

ab Ford 
Ashburn James C, bartender, 192 Egypt 
Ashenfelter Adam, carpenter, h Barbadoes bel Egj^pt 
Ashenfclter Henry, shoemaker, h Schuylkill bet Barbadoes and 

Swede 
Ashton Thomas, carter, h w side Willow bel Spruce 
Ashton Thomas, laborer, h Willow ab Elm 
Atkinson Thomas, beamer, h w side Arch ab Marshall 
Auchy Andrew N., shoemaker, h s side Lafayette ab Straw- 
berry alley 
Auchy Lewis, shoemaker, h w side Cherry bet Airy and Mar- 
shall 
Auge Moses, hats, clothing and Editor, 178 Egypt and second 

story e side DeKalb c Egypt, h 178 Egypt 
Ayers Uriah, prcsser, h 2 White Row 

B 

Backstcr Alexander, laborer, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWX. 125 

Badman Thomas, carpenter, h n side Airy bel Walnut 
Badman Philip, carpenter, s side Moore bel Walnut, h n side 

Airy bel Walnut 
Badman John, carpenter, h s side Moore bel Walnut 
Bain Walter, dry goods at Philada, h e side De Kalb bet Mar- 
shall and Chestnut 
Baily Alban, laborer, h Barbadocs bet Washington and La- 
fayette 
Bainbridge Benjamin H., shoes, 148 Egypt 
Bainbridge Henry, shoes, trunks, &c., 190 Egypt, h Swede bel 

Marshall 
Baird Eliza, widow John, h s side Washington ab Green 
Baird Thomas, moulder, h s side Washington bel Green 
Baird Maria, widow Robert H, n side Washington bel DeKalb 
Baird Sidney, painter, h w side Willow ab Marshall 
Baker Corneliu^S., M. D., drugs, n side Egypt c DeKalb, h n 

side Airy c Church al 
Baker Charles, shoemaker, h Oak ab Swede 
Baker Charles, shoemaker, h s side Oak bel Cherry 

Baker , h u side Airy c Church 

Baker Francis, nailer, h s side Marshall bel Norris 

Baker Henry, hammerman, h n side Penn ab Cherry 

Baker Henry S., shoemaker, w side Swede ab Basin, h w sile 

Swede ab Basin 
Baker Reuben, machinist, h 4 Union buildings s side Egypt 

bel DeKalb 
Baldwin Cloud, shoemaker, h e side Church, bet Airy and 

Marshall 
Bale William B., laborer, h n side Oak ab Church 
Bales Elizabeth, widow, h s side Oak c Marple al 
Bancus Henry, laborer, h s side Jacoby ab Cherry 
Banks Enoch A, lawyer, — Egypt, h Montgomery Hotel 
Bard Sarah Ann, widow Wm. P., h w side Cherry ab Chestnut 
Bards Charles, carpenter, h w side Mill bel Lafayette 
Barry William, labor, h Egypt bel Ford 
Barry William, brickmaker, h s side Washington ab Ford 
Barrett Patrick, h s side Washington ab Mill 
Bart Thomas, victualer, h 6 Norris bel Marshall 
Barton Charlotte, vestmaker, h w side Green ab Airy 
Bar tram Ellen, widow Richard, h n side Egypt ab Mill 
Barstow Joseph, operator, h s side Washington bet Mill and 

Green 
Barry Margaret, h Washington ab Swede 
Barry Sarah, widow James, h n side Airy bet Swede & Cherry 
Baten Susannah, carder, h Swede c Harper 
Baten Mary, widow John, h Swede c Harper 
Baten James M., laborer, h w side Green bel Penn 



126 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Bates William, blacksmith, h w side ab Chtstnut 

Bath David D., coachmaker, n side Egypt c Arch, h n side 

Penn ab Walnut 
Batchclder Ann, widow Isaac, e h side Washington ab Swede 
Batchelder Alexander, brickmaker, h e side Washington ab 

Swede 
Batchelder Jesse S., confectionery Swede bel Lafayette 
Bawden Stephen, h w side DeKa'lb bel Chestnut 
Baxter Felix, laborer, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Bayly Thomas P., h w side DeKalb c Chestnut 
Betchel Jacob, carpenter, h e side Cherry bel Marshall 
Beckman William H. , trader, h w side Powell bel Spruce 
Beam Charles, plasterer, h Marshall ab Astor 
Beam Thomas, bricklayer, h s side Moore bel Walnut 
Bean Joseph, 212 Egypt 

Bean Edwin A., carpenter, h Penn ab DeKal^) 
Bean Jesse, lumber, Egypt c Markley, h w side Swede bel 

Marshall 
Bean Angeline, widow John, h Swede bel Marshall 
Bean John J., a&sistant keeper prison, h s side Chestnut bet 

Willow and Church 
Bean Edwin, sawyer, h s side Penn ab DeKall) 
Bean Aaron, laborer, h e side Barbadoes bel Ann 
Beale William, brushmaker, s side Moore ab High 
Beaver Bernard, carpenter, h Egypt bel Haws av 
Beaver George, carpenter, h Lafayette bel Swede 
Beaver Henry, watchman, h w side Swede ab Airy 
Beaver Samuel Jr., miller, lumber and coal at Bridgeport, h n 

side Marshall c Violet 
Beerer Alfred, jeweler, 172 Egypt, h Penna Farmer's Hotel 
Beerer Lewis, bartender Penna Farmer's Hotel 
Beerer Joseph, proprietor Penna Farmer's Hotel, n side Egypt 

ab Barbadoes 
Bell EUeanor, widow Andrew, h s side Egypt^ab Ford 
Bell Washington, laborer, h Markley bel Lafayette 
Bell Thomas, operator, h s side Washington ab Green 
Bellman Gotkib, shoemaker, h n side Penn, bet Cherry and 

Barbadoe s 
Bender Susan, seamstress, h R R Hotel 
Bender Jacob, currier, h s side Penn bet Arch and Green 
Benner Samuel, h w side Cherry c Airy 

Bennett Edwin, coachpainter, h s side Penn bet Arch & Green 
Bennett Isaac, laborer, h Marsliall ab Swede 
Bennett Isaac, carter, h s side Marshall bel Cherry 
Bennett Jacob, laborer, h Penn ab DeKalb 
Bennett Jacob, laborer, h n side Penn bel Swede 
Bennett William, bricklayer, h Stanbridge ab Marshall 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 127 

Berrett Jesse, cabinet maker, n side Egypt bel Franklin 
Eertolet Amos W., liquor, 160 Egypt, h e side DcKalb ab Oak 
Best Lydia, widow David, h n side Marshall, ab Willow 
Be s wick Benjamin, dyer, s side Washington, bet Ford and 

Franklin 
Bickel Jacob, shoemaker, h Markley bel Lafayette 
Bickel Harrison, h Markley bel Lafayette 
Bickel Samuel, tinsmith, h Penn ab Cherry 
Bicking Lewis C, farmer, N side Wood c Powell 
Bigg Susannah, widow Daniel, h w side Swede ab Oak 
Bigg Susannah, widow Daniel, h Egypt ab Arch 
Bisson Annie, dressmaker, h n side Oak c Cherry 
Bisson Jacob, laborer, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Bisson Susannah, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Black John, Watchmaker, h E, R Hotel 
Black William, laborer, h s side Airy ab DeKalb 
Blackwell David (col'd) trader, h e side Willow ab Wood 
Blounts Christopher, manufacturer, h Swedesborough w side 

ab Marshall 
Board Barney, laborer, h s side Lafayette bel Franklin 
Bodey Joseph H., carpenter, e side Violet ab Barbades, h n s 

Basin ab violet 
Bodey George, laborer, h n side Penn ab Walnut 
Bodine Henry, tailor, h n side Moore ab Walnut 
Body Jacob, h n side Egypt ab Arch 
Body Maria, widow Samuel, n side Egypt below Arch 
Boilean John, h s side Elm c Church 
Bolton, Christman & Co., (Mahlon Bolton, Charles Christman 

and Francis G. Stinson) lumber yard, planing and sawing 

mill, Egypt ab Stony creek 
Bolton Elizabeth, servant, h Egypt bel Walnut 
Bclton James, miller, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Bolton John, carpenter, h n side Ann below Barbadoes 
Bolton John Jr., paper hanger, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Bolton Joseph K., nailer, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Bolton Levi, bricklayer, h n side Ann bel Barbadoes 
Bolton Isaac, engineer, h 8 Norris bel Marshall 
Bolton Josiah, engineer, h 5 Norris bel Marshall 
Bclton James, boatman, h s side Lafayette bel DeKalb 
Bolton Mahlon, (Bolton, Christman & Co.,) lumber yard, plan- 
ing and sawing mill, Egypt ab Stoney creek, h w side 

Swede c Marshall 
Bolton Washington, cooper, h Markley bel Lafayette 
Bolton William L., machinist, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Bolton William, catcher, h n side Ann bel Barbadoes 
Bond John, victualer, h Washington ab DeKalk 
Bonsall Clement, wood turner, Egypt bel Arch, h Egypt bel 

Walnut 



128 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Bonsall Henry W., lawyer, w side Swede ab Airy, h do 
Boorse Daniel, boot maker, h n side Lafayette ab Cherry 
Boorse Jonas, baker, h n side Penn bet Cherry and Barbadoc s 
Booth Robert, weaver, h s side Washington bet Franklin and 

Ford 
Booth William, warper, h s side Washington bet Franklin and 

Ford 
Booz Abraham, plasterer, h s side Marshall bel Violet 
Booz Conrad, plasterer, h s side Lafayette ab Green 
Booz John H., carpenter, Moore ab Tremont avenue, h s side 

Marshall ab Tremont avenue 
Bordon Benjamin, h s side Elm ab Willow 
Bossert Henry, grocer, e side Willow bel Spruce, h e side Wil- 
low bel Spruce 
Bosler Jacob C., carpenter, h e side Swede bel Wood 
Bowden Thomas, hatter, h s side Marshall bet Arch and Wal- 
nut 
Bowen Charles, (col'd) laborer, Washington ab Pearl 
Bower Henry, miller, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Bowman, Taggart & Co., (Lewis Bowman, Joseph Taggart and 
Michael C. Boyer) iron founders and machinists, Markley 
bet Lafayette and Washington 
Bowman Lewis, (Bowman, Taggart & Co,,) iron founder and 
machinist, Markley bet Lafayette and Walnut, h Egypt 
bel Green 
Boyd James, lawyer, 193 Egypt, h 191 Egypt 
Boyd Samuel, laborer, h Schuylkill ab Swede. 
Boyer Markley B., lawyer, e side Swede ab Airy, h e side 

Swede ab Airy 
Boyer Elizabeth, widow Andrew, Egypt ab Barbadoes 
Boyer George, carpenter, h n side Penn ab DeKalb 
Boyer John, President Bank Montgomery county, h e side De- 
Kalb bel Airy 
Boyer John, prison warden, h at prison 
Boyer Jonas, segars, s side Egypt bel Green, h s side Egypt 

bel Green 
Boyer Michael C, (Bowman, Taggart & Co.,) founder and ma- 
chinist, h Markley bet Lafayette and Washington 
Boyer Nathan, bricklayer, h s side Chestnut bel Church 
Boyer Silas, laborer, h e side bel Marshall 
Boyle John, spinner, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Bradbury Ellis, shoemaker, h Lafayette c Barbadoes 
Bradley Charley, puddler, h Markley bel Lafayette 
Bradley Francis, warper, h w side Washington ab Swede 
Bradley Patrick, puddler, h Schuylkill bet Barbadoes and Swede 
Brady Patrick, laborer, h n side Washington bel Swede 
Brannan John C, boatman, h e side Cherry ab Airy 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 129 

Brant Elizabeth, widow Benjamin K., h e side Swede btl Oak 
Bridge Elizabeth C, widow Christopher, h n side Lafayette bel 

Mill 
Brigg Clarissa, widow Monroe T., h Swede bcl Lafayette 
Brigg Charles, coal, Lafayette bet Franklin and Fcrd, h s side 

Washington bel Franklin 
Brigg William, gunmaker, n side Egypt btl Mill, h do 
Bright Josiah P., mason, h s side Pcnn ab DeKalb 
Briggs Alfred D., expressman, h w side Cherry ab Marshall 
Brmker Jacob, carter, h s side Penn bel Arch 
Brock Sarah A., trimmings, 154 Egypt, h Egypt ab Cherry 
Brock Lriah, merchant, h Egypt ab Cherry 
Brogan Chalkley, machinist, h w side Green ab Washington 
Brooke Jacob P., watchmaker, h Swede ab Airy 
Brooks John, laborer, h s side Airy ab Arch 
Brooks Mary, widow Jonathan, h w side Green ab Washington 
Brower Daniel R., proprietor Montgomery Hotel, s side Egypt 

bet DeKalb and Swede 
Brower Htnry, restaurant, e side DeKalb ab Washington 
Brcwn Ann, h Lafayette ab Cherry 

Brown George, (col'd) basket maker, h n side Penn ab Arch 
Brown Benjamin, miller, e side Arch bet Brown and Roberts, 

h e side Arch bet Brown and Roberts 
Brown Louisa, (ccl'd) h s side Penn ab Arch 
Brown Samuel sr., h s side Chestnut ab Willow 
Brown Samuel jr., jeweler, 5 Union buildings e side Egypt bel 

DeKalb, h s side Egypt bel DeKalb 
Brown Rankins, (coPd) laborer, h w side Willcw ab Wood 
Brown James, (ccl'd) laborer, h s side Elm ab Cherry 
Brown William T., cabinet maker, n side Washington bel 

Green, h n side Washington bel Green 
Brownback Elizabeth, dressmaker, h 221 Egypt 
Brownback John, carpenter, h n side Penn bet Cherry andBar- 

badoes 
Bruce Howard, clerk, h Swede bel Marshall 
Bruce Matilda, widow William, tailoress, h n side Marshall c 

Green 
Bruff Thomas, (col'd) laborer, h w side Swede bel Wood 
Bruner Frederick M., carpenter, h n side Marshall bel Cherry 
Bruner Frederick, carpenter, h Marshall ab Swede 
Bruner Samuel, carpenter, h w side Swede ab Chestnut 
Buckhalier Frederick, shoemaker, e side Walnut ab Swede 
Buck Isaiah, machinist, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Buck James, auctioneer, h Lafayette bel Baibadoes 
Buck Jeremiah, clerk, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Buck John, laborer, h n side Barbadoes ab Schuylkill 
Bunker William J., blacksmith, h Penna. Farmer's Hotel 



130 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Burgants Joseph, wheelwright, h n side Penn ab Wahiut 
Burgess George W., manufacturer fishing tackle, e side Green 

ab Elm, h e side Green ab Elm 
Burgess Warren E., machinist, h e side Green ab Elm 
Burkert Emanuel, cabinet maker, h 4 Lafayette avenue 
Burnes Barney, laborer, h n side Barbadoes ab Schuylkill 
Burnes Michael, laborer, h s side Fornace ab New Hope 
Burnes Miles, laborer, h n side Lafayette bet Franklin and Ford 
Bush Misses, (Arabella, Hattie and Hannah) Adelphian Insti- 
tute, DeKalb c Basin 
Bush Arabella, (Misses Bush) teacher, h DeKalb c Basin 
Bush Enos, confectionery, Egypt bel Walnut, h Egypt bel Wal- 
nut 
Bush Hattie, (Misses Bush) teacher, h DeKalb c Basin 
Bush Hannah, (Misses Bush) teacher, h DeKalb c Basin 
Bush Robert, (col'd) h bel Buttonwood 
Burnett Philip, laborer, h s side Washington ab Swede 
Butler James P., mason, h e side cherry bet Airy and Marshall 
Buttesswa Martha, widow John, h s side Willow bel Spruce 
Buttesswa Charles, engineer, h Penn bel Barbadoes 
Buttesswa John, laborer, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Butz & Leaver, (Samuel Butz and Justus P. Leaver) carpenters, 

e side Green bel Marshall 
Butz Samuel, (Butz & Leaver) e side Green bel Marshall, h w 
side DeKalb c Wood 



Cahall John, laborer, h n side Lafayette abFord 

Cahall Owen, laborer, h n side Lafayette ab Ford 

Cain James, laborer, h s side Oak bet Willow and Church 

Cain Michael, helper, h Barbadoes bel Egypt 

Caldwell Charles, baker, h Swede bel Marshall 

Callaghan Edward, laborer, h s side Washington bel Franklin 

Callender Susannah J., milliner, 79 Egypt, h 79 Egypt 

Cameron Joseph, h n side Egypt opp Mill 

Campbell Hugh, farmer, h s side Basin ab Tremont avenue 

Cantz John, baker, s side Egypt ab Green, h s side Egypt ab 

Green 
Cantz John, Lafayette avenue 
Carey John, laborer, h n side Washington ab Mill 
Carl Abraham, saw3rer, h Chain bel Egypt 
Carl John, superintendent, h Swede bel Washington 
Carlisle Alexander, (col'd) laborer, h s side Airy c Cherry 
Carlisle Jennie B. & Lizzie H. Shannon, milliners, 230 Egypt 
Carlisle Jennie B. milliner, 230 Egypt, h Egypt bel Mill 
Carlisle John, cotton lapps, h s side Egypt bel Mill 
Carpenter Theodore, laborer, hn side Penn bel Barbadoes 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 131 

Carr William, express, h n side Penn ab Green 

Carr William, laborer, h 196 Egypt 

Carr William, laborer, hLafa3^ette bel Swede 

Carringtor William, ostler, h n side Washington bel Green 

Carroll Joseph, umbrellas, s side Washington bel DeKalb, h 

s side Washington bel DeKalb 
Carson Elizabeth, widow James, h e side Church bel Oak 
Carson John, wheelwright, h s side Egypt bel Walnut 
Carson Hannah, tailoress, h e side Church bel Oak 
Carson Mary T., trimmings, Egypt bel Walnut, h Egypt bel 

Walnut 
Carson William, carpenter, h e side Chureh bel Oak 
Carter Mordecai Y., shoemaker, h w side Green c Penn 
Caruthers John, laborer, h Green ab Marshall 
Caruthers John W. , laborer, h w side Green bet Marshall and 

Church 
Cascade Annie, operator, h s side Washington bel Green 
Case Margaret G., widow William, w side Green ab Airy 
Case Morris, laborer, h n side Ann belBarbadoes 
Casselberry Albert, carter, h n side Penn bel Arch 
Cauffman Charles G., clerk, 176 Egypt, h Marshall c Stan bridge 
Cevni Susan, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Chain Benjamin E., lawyer, e side Swede ab Airy, h e side 

Swede ab Airy 
Chain James, h Egypt c Chain 
Chain Markus, h Egypt c Chain 
Chandler Samuel D., dry goods, 4 Union Buildings s side Egypt 

bel DeKalb, h s side Egypt bel DeKalb 
Chantry James, spinner, h s side Elm ab Cherry 
Chantry John, Elm bet Cherry and Markley 
Chantry William, puddler, h Airy bet Cherry and Barbadoes 
Charles Abraham C, laborer, h s side Oak bel Violet 
Charles Daniel, laborer, hn side Airy bel Arch 
Chase George, (col'd) laborer, h w side Walnut ab Penn 
Chasee William, h s side DeKalb ab Arch 
Childs Jacob, coal, e side DeKalb c Lafayette, hw side DeKalb 

c Chestnut 
Childs James, mason, h n side Airy bel Walnut 
Childs John, mason, h s side Washington ab Green 
Christman John W., agricultural implements, 156 Egypt, h w 

side DeKalb bel Jacoby 
Christman Augustus, tobacconist, h Egypt bel Markley 
Christman Charles, (Bolton Christman & Co.) lumber yard, 
planing and sawmg mill, Egypt ab Stony Creek, h w side 
Swede bel Marshall 
Christman Josiah, carpenter, h n side Chestnut bel Cherry 
Clare Eliza, widow Isaac, h Marshall bel Kohn 



132 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Clark David, h Lafayette ab Cherry 

Clark Hugh, laborer, h Lafayette ab Pearl 

Clark Susan, widow Dennis, h s side Airy ab Walaut 

Clayton Andrew, laborer^ h e side Church between Marshall and 

Chestnut 
Clayton James L, printer, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Clayton Jane P., widow Morris, h e side Church bet Marshall 

and Chesnut 
Clayton John, under keeper prison, h Egypt ab Cherry 
Clayton John, weaver, h 103 Egypt 
Cleaver John, cooper, h e side Cherry ab Elm 
Clemmer Samuel, segar maker, h n side Airy ab Cherry 
Clemmer William, tobacconist, 158 Egypt, h e side Cherry bel 

Chestnut 
Cloward Lydia, widow William, h n side Ann bel Barbadoes 
Cloward Samuel, cabinet maker, h 142 Egypt 
Clune James, laborer, h w side Green ab Washington 
Clune James, laborer, h s side Washington bel DeKalb 
Coates Sarah H. , h s side Elm ab Willow 

Cole James, superintendent, h w side DeKalb bel Washington 
Cole William, janitor, h s side Airy ab Cherry 
Coler John, watchman, h w side Markley ab Egypt 
Coleman Peter, laborer, h Egypt bel Ford 
Collins Michael, laborer, h n side Penn bel Arch 
Collom Cyrus, h s side Oak bel Cherry 

Comfort John, Sr., mason, h Washington bet Cherry and Bar- 
badoes 
Comfort John, Jr., mason, h Washington bet Cherry and Bar- 
badoes 
Conaway Jesse, puddler, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Conley Thomas, laborer, h s side Airy ab Walnut 
Connar Patrick, laborer, h s side Washington bel Franklin 
Conner John, laborer, h w side Green ab Elm 
Conoway M., widow Patrick, s side Washington c Franklin 
Conard Catharine, millinery, 106 Egypt, h 106 Egypt 
Conrad Cornelius, h Elm ab Willow 
Conrad Elizabeth, widow Frederick, h 106 Egypt 
Conway Patrick, laborer, h Schuylkill ab Swede 
Congle Peter, spinner, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Cook Mary, widow David, h s side Sandy ab Marshall 
Cook Sarah, widow Benjamin, h s side Washington ab Green 
Cook Walter H., former, h s side Sandy ab Marshall 
Cooper David, engineer, n side Egypt ab Walnut 
Cope Adam, carpenter, w side Green bet Oak and Jacoby, h 

w side Green bet Oak and Jacoby 
Cope John L., shoemaker, h e side Stanbridge ab Roberts 
Cornog Joseph, boatman, h s side Penn ab Walnut 



DIRECTORY OF XORRISTOWX. 133 

Cornog Philip, macliinist, h Washington House 

Corothers John, h n side Green ab Marshall 

Corrigan James, laborer, h n side Airy ab Walnut 

Corson Ann E. H., widow Joseph D., boarders, 17G Egypt 

Corson George N., lawyer, s side Egypt c Cherry, h s side 

Egypt c Cherry 
Corson Hannah, h 176 Egypt 
Corson Isabella, milliner, s side Egypt bel Swede 
Corson Lawrence E., surveyor and conveyancer, s side Egypt ab 

Green, h n side Egypt bel Green 
Corson Humphrey H., clerk, h 176 Egj^pt 
Corson Richard R., real estate broker, s side Egypt c Cherry, 

h Montgomery Hotel 
Corson Thomas F., (Major & Dorson) grocers, 217 Egypt, h 

176 Egypt 
Corson Clemantine, restaurant, Washington ab Swede, h do 
Corson William, physician, h s side Egypt ab Green 
Corson Robert, weaver, h Hickey ab Schuylkill 
Coulson Anna, widow William, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Coulston John, laborer, e side Cherry ab Airy 
Cowden Abigail, widow William, h 152 Egypt 
Cowden Charles H., clerk, liDeKalb bel Airy 
Cowden Jacob M., real estate, 152 Egypt 
Cowden John, commissioner, h w side DeKalb bel Airy 
Cowden Mary J., h w side DeKalb bel Airy 
Cowden Hester, h w side DeKalb ab Washington 
Cox Abraham R., brewer, h 33 Egypt 
Craber Annie, h n side Chestnut bel Church 
Crabtree John, laborer, h n side Washington ab Swede 
Craig Jane, widow James, teacher, h n side Airy c Maple 
Crater Jacob, ostler, Montgomery Hotel, h Strawberry al bel 

Egypt 
Crawford & Hill, (Matthew H. Crawford & Henry C. Hill) hard- 
ware, 208 Egypt 
Crawford Eliza A., h w side Swede bel Marshall 
Crawford Matthew H., (Crawford & Hill) hardware, 208 Egypt, 

h w side Swede bel Marshall 
Crawford Samuel, h w side Swede bel Marshall 
Crawford William, h e side Swede c Chestnut 
Creighton Catharine, widow Thomas, h w side Egypt bel Ford 
Creighton Noble, laborer, h n side Egypt bel Ford* 
Creighton James, laborer, h n side Egypt bel Ford 
Cressman Henry C, stone cutter, h e side Norris ab Airy 
Cregger Charles, paper carrier, h e side Church bet Airy and 

Marshall 
Croll Daniel, h s side Elm ab Willow 
Croll J. B., dry goods and grocery, e side DeKalb c Marshall 



134 NORRISTOVvN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Croll Mary, widow Philip, h n side Marshall c Norris 

Croll Sylvester, victular, h 81 Egypt 

Cromer David (col'd) musician, h n side Pemi ab TTalnut 

Grouse William, victular, h s side Airy bel Walnut 

Crow Patrick, laborer, h s side Airy ab Walnut 

Crozier James, carpenter, h Lafayette ab Swede 

Crozier James, blacksmith, h Airy ab Cherry 

Crozier William, carpt weaver, h Lafayette ab Swede 

Cullen John, laborer, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 

Culien Catharine, 4 White Row 

Culp Catharine, servant, Rambo House 

Culp George, lime burner, h Chain bel Marshall 

Culp Henry, lime burner li Chain bel Marshall 

Culp James, lime burner, li Chain bel Marshall 

Culp Sarah, widow George, h w side Green bet Elm & Spruce 

Cummings James, spinner, h s side Marshall ab Green 

Cunningham Margaret, widow John, h n side Washington bel 

DeKalb 
Cupp Frederick, rag dealer, h Swede ab Lafayette 
Carle Anna M. , h w side Smith ab Oak 
Custard Elizabeth, widow Jcsiah, h Egypt ab Ford 
Custer Abraham H., laborer, e side Cherry bel Oak 
Custer Abraham, carpet weaver, w side Green bel Chestnut 
Custer George, carpenter, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Custer George, dealer, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Custer Jacob D., machinist, n side Lafayette bel Mill, h s side 

Egypt bel Mill 
Custer Matthias, Constable and coach maker, e side Church bel 

Marshall, h s side xMarshall bel Church 
Custer Peter, s side Moore ab Walnut 
Custer, WiUiam, laborer, h Egypt 

Cuthbertson Alexander, loomsman, e side Green bel Lafayette 
Cuthbertson William P., grocer, 128 Egypt 
Cutser Cornelius, coach maker, e side Church bel Marshall, h 

s side Marshall bel Church 

3 

Dager Mary W., widow Daniel, h w side DeKalb bet Marshall 

and Chestnut 
Dallman Martin, Superintendent Schuylkill Navigation, h w 

side Cherry bel Marshall 
Darrah Rebecca, h Swede ab Airy 
Daub Samuel G., carpenter, w side Cherry bel Oak 
Davis Anthony W., teacher, h Rambo House 
Davis Augustus F., clerk, h Lafayette ab Cherry 
Davis Benjamin, dresser, h s side Marshall c Norris 
Davis Benjamin, teacher, w side DeKalb bel Airy 



DIRECTORY OF XORRISTOWX. 135 

Davis Elizabeth, widow Robert, h Egypt ab IMarkley 

Davis Ellen, milliner, h s sidePenn ab DeKaib 

Davis Evan, clothing, 226 Egypt, grocery e side DeKaib bet 

Airy and Marshall, h n side Marshall bel Green 
Davis George W., painter, s side Egypt ab Swede, h n side 

Chestnut ab Willow 
Davis Hannah, h s side Penn ab DeKaib 
Davis Jesse B., feeder, h n side Chestnut c Church 
Davis John, teacher, h Chain ab Egypt 
Davis Lewis H., bricklayer, h sside Marshall c Norris 
Davis Samuel, machinist, h Lafayette bel Cherry 
Davis Scimucl W., clerk, h Marshall bel Green 
Davis Rebecca, widow George, h w side Swede ab Oak 
Davis William, tailor, h n side Penn ab Barbadoes 
Davis William, printer, h s side Marshall c Norris 
Day Daniel, dyer, h w side Button wood bel Jackson 
Day Augustus, Bank clerk, h n side Lafayette ab Cherry 
Deam Elizabeth, h 4 Lafayette av 
Dcaner Amanda, servant, h 131 Egypt 
Deaner Thomas, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Deeds John, gunsmith, h e side DeKaib ab Washington 
Deem Catharine, widow Samuel, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Deem John, labarer, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Deem Samuel, laborer, Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Dehaven Reuben, roller at Conshocken, h Egypt ab DeKaib 
Dehaven Samuel, manufacturer, on r bel Jackson 
Dehaven Sarah, weaver, h w side Buttonwood bel Jackson 
Delany Ann, widow John, n side Washington ab Mill 
Delany Margaret, h e side DeKaib bel Washington 
Delany Mary, servant, h Swede ab Airy 

Delany W^illiam, Superintendent, h n side Marshall ab Wiliow 
DeManssrt L., restaurant, n side Egypt bel Mill 
Dennis Elizabeth, widow, h Lafayette ab DeKaib 
Dennis Susan, h Lafayette ab DeKaib 
Deroff Samuel, heater, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Derr Franklin & Co., (Daniel G. Sherman) marble yard, n side 

Egypt opp Bank 
Derr Franklin, (Franklin Derr & Co.) marbleyard,n side Egypt 

opp Bank, h 101 Egypt 
Derr Reuben, stage driver, h w side Cherry bet Chestnut and 

Oak 
Derricks Jacob, sawyer, h Chain ab Egypt 
Derricks Jacob, n side Airj^ c Norris 
Derricks Nathen, laborer, h Marshall ab Chain 
Detlinger William, saddler, h n side Oak ab Church 
Detwiler Jacob, carpenter, h n side Airy c Cherry 
Detwiler John, bar tender, Montgomery Hotel 



136 NORRISTOWN AXD BRIDGEPORT. 

Devlin Francis, grave digger, h s side Elm ab Cherry 
Dewees Percival P., nail mill, on r at Stony Creek, h w side 

DeKalb ab Marshall 
Dewees William, tailor, h Marshall c Green 
Dewiar Ann, h Ann ab Cherry 
Diamond David, laborer, h 5 Lafayette av 
Diamond Edward, weaver, h 1 White Row 
Diamond Patrick, laborer, h 1 White Row 
Dickenson Harrison, coach maker, w side Penn bet Arch and 

Green 
Dickenson William, roller, h Barbadocs bel Egypt 
DiefFenbaugh Peter, artist, h n side Sandy ab Walnut 
Diehl Amelia H. , h n side Brown bet Hugh & Tremont av 
Diehl Ellen A. , h n side Brown bet Hugh and Tremont av 
Diehl Mary IM., h n side Brown bet Hugh and Tremont av 
Dignan Elizabeth, widow Charles, n side Egypt bel Arch 
Dignan Joseph, victular, hn side Egypt bel Arch 
Dill Rebecca, widow Matthew, h s side Washington ab Green 
Dill Thomas, (col'd) laborer, h s side Spruce bel Green 
Diver Annie S., widow Robert, h s side Church bel Marshall 
Divers Barney, laborer, h s sicle Washington bel Franklin 
Divers Daniel, superintendent, h s side Washington bel Franklin 
Divers Patrick, laborer, s side Washington bel Franklin 
Dixon Ulitier A., milliner, s side Egypt ab Walnut 
Donat Joseph F., laborer, h n side Sterigere bel Stanbridge 
Dorah James, coachman, h w side Oak bel High 
Doran Michael, laborer, h w side Arch bel Oak 
Doran Lawrence, laborer, h w side Arch bel Oak 
Doran Patrick, laborer, h s side Jacoby c Thomas 
Doran Richard, carter, h s side Elm c Thomas 
Dotts Joseph, laborer, h Lafayette bel Sweele 
Dotterer & Co., (Charles Dottreer & Samuel Y. Rcssitcr) skin 

dressers, 227 Egypt 
Dotterer Charles (Dotterer & Co.) skin dressers, 227 Egypt, h e 

side Cherry bet Marshall and Chestnut 
Dotterer Henry, printer, h w side Cherry bet Air}^ & Marshall 
Dotterer Philip, bar tender, h w siele Cherry bet Airy and Mar- 
shall 
Douglass Isabella, servant, h 180 Egypt 
Douglass Henry, laborer, h w side Arch ab Airy 
Dougherty Catharine, widow John, h Schuylkill ab Swede 
Dougherty Robert, machinist, h 221 Egypt 
Dowd Mary, wielow Thomas, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
Dowdle Henry, laborer, h s side Penn bel Barbadocs 
Doyle John, laborer, h s side Washington bel Franklin 
Drake Henry, clerk, h Rambo House 
Dreshcr Daniel, shoemaker, 238 Egypt 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 137 

Dresher Reuben, carpenter, h Farmers' & Mechanics' Hotel 

Drew Francis, nailer, h Lafayette bel Swede 

Duchen James, laborer, h n side Washington bet Ford and 

Franklin 
Duddy Edward, h e side DeKalb ab Washington 
Dudy Samuel, grocer, Eg^^pt c Swede, h e side DeKalb bel 

Airy 
Duffy Mary, widow Edward, h Schuylkill ab Swede 
Dugan Mary, servant, Swede bel Marshall 
Dungan John, laborer, s side Lafayette bel Franklin 
Dunlap Joseph B., physician, h w side Swede bel Marshall 
Dunn Dennis, mason, h Hickey bel Washington 
Dunn Dennis, mason, h Hickey ab Schuylkill 
Dunn Margaret, milliner, h s side Lafayette bel Franklin 
Dunn Thomas, laborer, h s side Lafayette bel Franklin 
Dunning Mary A., widow William, h s side Ann ab Cherry 
Durkin Owen, laborer, h w side Green bel Lafayette 
Doer Mary, dress maker and tailoress, h w side Green ab Airy 
Dykes Sophia, widow, John, h w side Green ab Oak 

E 

Earl Alexander, printer, h Lafayette ab Cherry 

Earl Sarah, widow William, h Lafayette ab Cherry 

Earl William, painter, h Lafayette ab Cherry 

Earls John, confectioner, h w side Swede bel Marshall 

Earls John, venitian blinds, h e side Willow bel Spruce 

Earls Mary, widow Thomas, h e side Washington ab Swede 

Earnest Charles, lime, h e side DeKalb c Oak 

Earp Asher, puddler, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 

Eastburn Margaret, h n side Penn ab Cherry 

Ebert Joseph, millwright, h n side Chestnut bet Church and 

Willow 
Eberuein Christian, shoemaker, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Eckert John, laborer, h Lafayette c Cherry 
Edey Henry J. , h west side Swede ab Oak 
Eider Julia L., widow Constantine, h w side Swede ab Elm 
Egbert Jesse R., (Kirk & Egbert) dry goods and groceries, w 

side DeKalb c Lafayette 
Egbert Lizzie R. , millinery, w side DeKalb bel Egypt 
Egbert Margaret, widow Thomas, h w side DeKalb bel Egypt 
Egbert Sarah A., dressmaker, h w side DeKalb bel Egypt 
Eggman Mary, widow Charles, w side bel Marshall 
Egolf Josiah, laborer, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Eisenberg Henry, trader, h n side Penn bel Barbadoes 
Elder Elizabeth, widow William, s side Marshall ab Walnut 
Elett Robert, machinist, h Lafayette bel Cherry 
Elliott Jane, h E^ypt c Stanbridge 



138 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Elliott William A., blacksmith, h s side Elm ab Willow- 
Ely David, machinist, h s side Washington ab Green 
Ely Jonathan T., clerk, h n side Airy bel Cherry 
Emery Daniel, police, h s side Penn bet Green and Arch 
Emery George, tobacconist, Penn n Arch 
Emery William, carpenter, h Marshall ab Astor 
Emerson Thomas, (col'd) laborer n side Basin bel Arch 
Ennis Patrick, laborer, s side Lafayette bel Franklin 
Ensley William C, shoemaker, h w side Chestnut ab Willow 
Entz John, farmer, h n side Fornance bel Pine 
Epright Rudolph, shoemaker, h e side Green ab Elm 
Erb Aaron, roller, h e side Norris ab Airy 
Erb Mahlon B., carpenter, h e side Norris ab Airy 
Eshback Abraham, powdermaker at Plymouth tp, h 73 Egypt 
Evans Ann, widow James B.,h w side Swede bet Airy and 

Marshall 
Evans Anna, widow Josiah W., h Egypt bet Green and Mil 
Evans Amos L., carpenter, h s side Egypt ab Ford 
Evans Amos, restaurant, under Odd Fellows' Hall, h n side La- 
fayette bel Mill 
Evans Charles P., switch tender, h n side Marshall ab Norris 
Evans Ferdinand A., laborer, h e side Green bet Elm & Wood 
Evans Harrison, furniture, 89 and 91 Egypt, h 1 Norris bel 

Marshall 
Evans Isaac, spreader, h w side Washington ab Swede 
Evans Jared, deputy prothonotary, h Rambo House 
Evans Yates Y., proprietor Exchange Hotel, Mill c Washington 
Eve Clarissa, widow George, h w side Penn ab Cherry 



Fagan Isabella, widow Thomas, Lafayette above Cherry 
Fagan Michael, laborer, h n side Chestnut bel Green 
Fagan Thomas F., liquor, n side Marshall bel Willow 
Fagely Gharles, nurser}^, Siindy HJl, Pa, h e side Cherry bel 

Marshall 
Fagely Charles Jr., victualer, h e side Cherry bel Marshall 
Fagely Mary, widow Christopher, h w side Barbadoes bel 

Marshall 
Famous Sarah, spooler, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
Farlow Annie, h w side Green bet Washington and Lafayette 
Farlow Mary, h w side Green bet Washington and Lafayette 
Farlow Sarah, h w side Green bet Washington and Lafayette 
Parry Catharine, h s side Washington bel Franklin 
Fay John, laborer, h n side jNLai'shall ab Green 
Fay Michael, laborer, h n side Marshall bel Green 
Feather Augustus G., clerk, recoiderof deeds' office, h n side 

Penn ab Green 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 139 

Feather Solomon, proprietor E R Hotel, Washington c DeKalb 

Fegley Washington, machinist, h s side Oakc Maple al 

Fiedkr Christian, baker, h 174 Egypt 

Fillmore Emma, servant, h Swede ab Airy 

Filman Allen H., machinist, h w side Cherry ab Airy 

Filman Jacob, h w side Cherry ab Airy 

Filman Oliver A., laborer, h w side Cherry ab Airy 

Findle3^rJohn S., engineer, h Lafayette bel Barbadocs 

Findley Thomas, restaurant, Egypt c Markley 

Finn Michael, laborer, h n side Sandy bel Marshall 

Finnall Patrick, laborer, h s side Spruce bel Green 

Finney James, laborer, h n side Airy bel Arch 

Finney Thomas, laborer, h s side Airy ab DeKalb 

Fisher Albanus, (col'd) laborer, h w side Walnut bel Airy 

Fisher Edward, (col'd) laborer, h s side Spruce ab Stony creek 

Fisher George, tobacconist, 198 Egypt, h w side Cherry ab Airy 

Fisher Hiram C, laborer, h n side Roberts c Willow 

Fisher Mary, widow Solomon, h n side Roberts c Willow 

Fisher|Perry, (col'd) laborer, h s side Lafayette bet Mill and 

Walnut 
Fitzwalter Jacob, h e side Swede ab Chestnut 
Fizone Jacob, engineer, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Fizone Joseph, h Egypt ab Barbadoes 
Flanigen Edward, laborer, h n side Washington ab Ford 
Fleck Isaac W., machinist, h w side DeKalb ab Penn 
Fleck Sarah, widow Samuel, washing and ironing, h 2d story 

196 Egypt 
Flowers Robert, (col'd) laborer, h e side Arch bet Penn & Airy 
Fluck & Guest, (Elias Fluck and George Guest) sash.^ blinds 

and window frame manufactory, s side Egypt ab Walnut 
Fluck Elias, (Fluck & Guest) sash, blinds, &c., s side Egypt ab 

Walnut, h DeKalb ab Oak 
Flum Lew^is, laborer, h Egypt bel Markley 
Flym Patrick, contractor, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Force Maria, 2d story 196 Egypt 
Force Minerva, widow Jacob, h e side Cherry bel Airy 
Foreman Charles, shoemaker, h Lafayette c Strawberry al 
Foreman Henry, shoemaker, n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Foreman William, ladies hairdresser, n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Foreman William, shoemaker, h w side Cherry bet Airy and 

Marshall 
Forey Timothy, laborer, h w side Green ab Oak 
Fornance Anna B., widow Jcseph, h w side Penn and Swede 
Fornance John, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Foster Robert, helper, 2 Lafayette av 
Fox Gilbert R. , lawyer, w side Swede bel Penn, h w side Swede 

bel Pine 



140 XORKISTOWN AND BRIDGP^POIIT. 

Fox John H., baker, h e side Cheny bel Marshall 

Fox Thomas, h e side Cherry bel Marshall 

Fox William, confectionery w side Swede bel Marshall 

Fox William, laborer, h w side Green bet Marshall and Airy 

FraleylTenry oyster stand in cellar w side DeKalb bel Egyj;t, 

h Church 
Francis David, heater, h Lafayette bel Swede 
Francis John, laborer, h Lafayette c Barbadocs 
Frantz Jt sse, carpenter, h s side Marshall bel Violet 
Frantz William, bootmaker, n side Egypt op Mill, h n side 

Elm bel Swede 
Freas Mary, widow Samuel, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Freas Reuben L., shoes, n side Airy c Swede, h n side Jaccby 

ab DeKalb 
Freas Samuel H., shoes 24 Egypt, h 24 Egypt 
Freed John S., victualer, h w side Barbadocs ab Penn 
Freedley Jacob, lumber, h n side Egypt bet Markley and Bar- 
badocs 
Freedley John J., (Hurst & Freedley, liquor dealers, n side Penn 

c Markley) h Airy bet Swede and DeKalb 
Freedley J. Issett, h Airy bet Swede and DeKalb 
Freedley Henry, lawyer, n side Egypt c Cherry, h 135 Egypt 
Frey Peter, restaurant, n side Penn bel Arch 
Freed Edwin, carpenter, h s side Moore ab Walnut 
Friedeburn Andrew, restaurant, n side Egypt bel Mill 
Friend George, barber, Rarabo House, h Cherry ab Marshall 
Fries Benjamin F., shoemaker, h s side Egypt bel Walnut 
Fries George, mason, h e side Powell bel Spruce 
Fries James H. , shoemaker, s side Egypt bel Walnut 
Fritz Annie, h s side Egypt ab Stanbridgc 
Fritz Garrett, Engineer, h w side Buttonwood ab Jackson 
I'ritz Henry, helper, h s side Egypt ab Stanbridge 
Fry John, laborer, h w side Green ab Oak 
Fry Joseph, tailor, h s side Chestnut b 1 Swede 
Fulmer Catharine, widow Jesse, h Markley bel Lafayette 
Fulmer Isaac, nailer, h Markley bel Lafayette 
Fulmer Jacob, puddler, h Pearl bel Egypt 
Fulmer William, puddler. h Markley bel Lafayette 
Fullerton Lydia, widow William, n s side Lafayette bel DeKal b 
Fulton Emma, spooler, Lafayette bel Swede 
Fulton James, laborer, h n side Airy c Norris 
Funk Catharine, h n side Willow c Appletree al 
Funk David, victualer, h n side Airy bel Norris 
Furlong Henry, laborer, h n side Washington bet DeKalb and 

Green 
Furlong William, laborer, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Fury John, laborer, h Schuylkill ab Barbadocs 



MBEUIOlir OF XOEEISTOWN. 141 



Gallagher James, laborer, Ilickey ab Schuylkill 

Galliiigcr John, plasterer, h s side Marshall bel Norris 

Gamble 11. II., h n side Oak bel High 

Ganser Christian, tailor, h Washington House 

Ganser John J., shoemaker, s side Lafayette bel Ddb 

Garber Charles II., Burgess, office w side Swede ab Airy, h w 

side Swede ab Airy 
Garber John, locksmith, s side Egypt bel Franklin, h s side 

Egypt bel Franklm 
Gardner Thomas, shoenuiker, h Egypt c Crecn 
Garcs Joseph, h w side Willow ab Marshall 
Garner Charles M., plasterer, h s side Poplar bel Arch 
Garner Eli, mason, n side Moore bet Walnut and Arch 
Garner Lewis N., mason, h n side Moore bet Walnut and Arch 
Garner Silas II. carpenter, h n side Moore bet Walnut and Arch 
Garrigan Mary, servant, 191 Egypt 
Garthcy William 11. , clerk Norristown Iron Works, h n side 

Egypt bel DeKalb 
Gash Thomas, weaver, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Gayhart Abraham, engineer, h north side Marshall ab Norris 
Gearhard Abraham, engineer, h Marshall ab Cherry 
George Pyrons, livery, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Gerringer Jacob, ostler, Penna. Farmer's Hotel, h do 
Gcttman Enos, tailor, h w side Cherry bel Chestnut 
Gettsfrect Matthias, laborer, h n side Penn ab Barbadocs 
Geyer Charles, carpenter, h n side Moore bet Walnut and Arch 
Geyer Henry K., h s side Arch bel Airy 
Geyer John, laborer, h Lafayette below Markley 
Gibbs Thomas Ilev., (col'd) h n side Penn ab Walnut 
Gibbons James, laborer, h n side Chestnut bel Green 
Gibbons William, spinner, h Swede bel Washington 
Gibson James (col'd) laborer, h s side Penn ab Arch 
Gicse Henry, tailor, h n side Chestnut bel Church 
Giffin James, laborer, h side Moore ab Walnut 
Gilbert Eli, shoemaker, n side Airy ab Chain 
Gilbert Frederick, manufacturer Agricultural Tmpliments, s 

side Egypt bel Arch, h s side Egypt ab Walnut 
Gilbert Joshua, machinist, h w side Arch bel Marshall 
Gilligan James, laborer, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Gillinger Philip, plasterer, h w side Swede c Chestnut 
Gillespie Harriett, widow John M., h w side Marshall belllans 

avenue 
Gilpin Thomas, h w side DeKalb 

Glavisinger Eli, confectioner, h w side Swede bel Marshall 
Glathary Charles S., bricklayer, h e side Chciry alj Airy 



142 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Glase Jacob, tin smith, h Peiiu ab Cherry 

Glase Levi, tin smith, h Penn ab Charry 

Glenn William, blacksmith, h n side Penn ab Cherry 

Godshalk William, laborer, h Lafayette bcl Cherry 

Goodman Daniel S., shoemaker, h s side Basin bcl Violet 

Goodwin Jonathan, shoemaker, e side Church c Marshall, h 

n side Marshall ab Willow 
Goodwin Charles, shoemaker, h n side Marshall ab Willow 
Gordon Alexander, superintendent, h n side Egypt^ab Ford 
Gordon Joseph R., mason, h n side Oak c Ciierry 
Gorman William, nailer, h n side Penn bet Cherry and Barba- 

does 
Goshaw Cyrus, carpenter, e side Willow bel Chestnut 
Gotshall William, laborer, h Lafayette ab Swede 
Gottshalk Jacob W., plasterer, h n side Moore ab Walnut 
Gould Bridget, widow William, h 9 White Row 
Gould Patrick, h 9 White Row 
Grady Peter, laborer, h s side Egypt bel Ford 
Graham Thomas, puddler, h n side Marshall bet Arch and 

Walnut 
Graham William, laborer, h s side Moore c High 
Grant Jane, milliner, h s side Washington ab Mill 
Grant Lewis H., shoemaker, h Washington house 
Gratz Theodore P., machinist, h 4 s side Norris bel Marshall 
Graves John M. , h s side Elm ab Cherry 
Gray Mary W., widow Hiram, h Egypt bel Franklin 
Green Leonard, engineer, h n side Penn bet Walnut and Arch 
Greenwalt Sarah, operator, h s side Marshall bel Norris 
GriflSth Edwin, machinist, h s side Washington ab Ford 
Griffith Henry, moulder, h s side Washington ab Ford 
Griffith Jacob P., farmer, h n side Brown bcl Swede 
Griffith Peter, pump-maker, Egypt c Stanbridge 
Griffith Samuel, plumber, Odd Fellows' Hall, h s side Egypt 

ab Chain 
Griffith William, plumber, h Egypt ab Chain 
Griffith William, laborer, h s side Washington ab Ford 
Grime Robert, bartender, h Marshall ab Swede 
Grime William, gardener, h n side Cedar ab New Hope 
Grimes Michael, warper, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Groat Edward, potter, h Chain bcl Egypt 
Groff Davis, carpenter, h Marshall ab Astor 
Groft" Elizabeth, widow Henry, h Marshall c Stanbridge 
Groff Samuel D., carpenter, h e side DeKalb ab Marshall 
Grosscup Eliza, seamstress, h n side Washington c Green 
Grosscup Esrom, veterinary surgeon, h s side Penn ab DeKalb 
Grosscup Mary, seamstress, h n side Washington c Green 
Grow Ann, widow John, h w side Chcrrv bet Airv and Mar- 
shall 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 143 

Grue Catharine, widow David, h Astor ab Egypt 

Grue William, blacksmith, h Astor ab Egypt 

Guest George, (Fluck & Guest) sash, blinds, &c., s side Egypt 

ab Arch, h DeKalb ab Oak 
Guest Sarah, widow Holland, h e side Willow bcl Spuce 
Ginder John, gas works, h n side Washington bel Green, 



Haas Euphenla, tailoress, h Egypt ab Barbadocs 

Haas Isaiah D., cooper, h Egypt ab Barbadocs 

Haas Levi, cooper, h Egypt ab Barbadocs 

Hay berry Adam, cooper, h 98 Egypt 

Hayberry George, carpet weaver, h 98 Egypt 

Hagen Patrick, laborer, h s side Lafayette bet DeKalb &, Green 

Hahn James W., auctioneer, 71 Egypt, h Barbadocs bel Egypt 

Hahn Philip, lic[uor, 71 Egypt c Barbadocs, h Egypt c Stan- 
bridge 

Hahn Wallace, Deputy Sheriff, h Montgomery Hotel 

Haight Samuel B., h s side Elm ab Willow 

Haldeman Louis, victualer, h n side Penn ab Barbadocs 

Hale John, printer, h w side Cherry ab Airy 

Hall Samuel, grocer, e side Swede c Chestnut, h n side Chest- 
nut ab Swede 

Hallmau George W., blacksmith, w side Swede ab Airy, h e 
side Swede ab Marshall 

Hallman Henry, carpenter, h s side Marshall bel Kobn 

Hallman John, tobacconist, h e side Church bel Marshall 

Hallman Reuben, clerk, h e side Cherry ab Airy 

Halloway Hannah S., saleswoman, 176 Egypt, h Airy ab Swede 

Hallowell William, brick layer, h w side Cherry bel Chestnut 

Halsey Job F. Rev. , h n side Airy bel DeKalb 

Hamill Wiilimina, widow William, n side Jacoby bet Willow 
and Church 

Hancock Benjamin F., lawyer, e side Swede bel Egypt, h e 
side Swede c Middle al 

Handsell James, (col'd) laborer, n side Sterigere c Stanbridge 

Hanej Peter, laborer, h s side Washington bel Franklin 

Hansell Anna M., millinery, 7 Union Buildings s side Egypt 
bel DeKalb, h at Bridgeport 

Hansell Ivens R., (Shearer & Hansell) painter, 202^ Egypt, h 
Lafayette n Cherry 

HanseU George Y. , wall paper and paper hanger, 7 Union Buil- 
dings s side Egypt bel DeKalb, h at Bridgeport 

Hanson Henry, grocer, w side Cherry bel Oak 

Hanson Joseph M., helper, h Barabadoes bet Washington and 
Lafayette 

Hanson Thomas, loom superintendent, h n side Washington 
bet Mill and Green 



144 NOERISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Hanson William (col'd) laborer, h Stony Creek ab Elm 

Hanshell James, machinist, h n side Penn ab Barbadoes 

Hanway Maria H., w side Washington ab Swede 

Harding Zilla, h Jacoby ab DeKalb 

Harding John S., h n side Sterigere ab Buttonwood 

Hare George, artist, h s side Lafayette bel Green 

Hare George, Sr., tailor, h s side Lafayette bel Green 

Harley Philip, lumber, h Marshall ab Astor 

Harner Levi, mason, h w side Cherry ab Chestnut 

Harner Nathaniel, mason, h s side Oak bel Arch 

Harney Jacob P., clerk Terry's express, Odd Fellows' Hall, h 

s side Penn ab Walnut 
Harper Joseph, baker, h w side Swede bel Marshall 
Harper Mary, widow Joseph, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Harrington Walter, carpenter, 1 Lafayette av 
Harris John, stone cutter, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Harris Robert, stone cutter, hn side Penn bet Cherry and Bar- 
badoes 
Harris Thomas, laborer, h e side Willow ab Wood 
Harris Joseph K., heater, w side Cherry ab Chestnut 
Harrison John (col'd) wood sawyer, h e side Green bel Airy 
Harry Charles P., dentist, 241 Egypt 
Harry John, h w side DeKalb ab Washington 
Hart Catharine A., widow Jacob, h e side Swede ab Chestnut 
Hart Frank, Deputy Pest Master 
Hart Henry G., Post Master, h Egypt bel Forrest 
Hart Lane S., bricklaj^er, h e side Swede ab Chestnut 
Hart Zeiber, bricklayer, h e side Swede ab Chestnut 
Hartman Ann, widow Samuel, nurse, h w side Cherry ab 

Chestnut 
Hartrauft Abraham , blacksmith , h Airy al) Cherry 
Hartrauft Edward, blacksmith, n side Egypt bel Arch, h s side 

Oak bel Arch 
Hartrauft J. F., conveyancer, under Rambo House, h Egypt bd 

Stanbridge 
Hartrauft Samuel E., stage proprietor, h Egypt bel Stanbridge 
Hartsel John, plasterer, h n side Chestnut bet Swede & Cherry 
Hartzell Davis, laborer, h Marshall ab Chain 
Haskins Thomas, restaurant, n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Hasting Charles, nailer, h s side Penn ab Cherry 
Hasting Jacob, nailer, h W side Ann ab Cherr}^ 
Hasting James, mason, h s side Penn ab Cherry 
Hathaway John C, carpenter, h s side Jacoby ab Willow 
Haws Sarah, widow Samuel, h n side Sterigere ab Buttonwood 
Hayhurst Richard, laborer and store, n side Marshall c Maple al 
Hays Michael, laborer, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
Hays Patrick, laborer, h w side Green bel Lafayette 



DIRECTORY OF X0RRIST0W2^. 145 

Hearken James, laborer, h Lafayette btl Mark ley 

Heart Reuben, laborer, h s side Wood bel Arch 

Heddlcson James, liquor, s side Washington c DeKalb, h e 

side DeKalb bcl Washington 
Heddleson John, h eside DeKalb bcl Washington 
Heebner Charles, jeweller, h Washington House 
Heebner David, h Washington House 
Heebner Christopher, miller, foot Mill and Bridgeport, h s side 

Washington c Mill 
Heebner John, proprietor Washington House, n side Egypt bel 

Swede 
Heebner Henry, ostler, Farmers' & Mechanics' Hotel 
Heebner Philip D., carpenter, h Oak bcl Swede 
Heebner George Miller, h s side Washington c Mill 
Heenan John, puddler, h Barbardocs bel Egypt 
Heilman Horace (Seltzer & Co.) distillery, w side DeKalb btl 

Washington, h at Philadelphia 
Heingsbach Oharks, baker, h w side Swede ab Basin 
Heins John, farmer, h s side Sterigere ab Buttonwood 
Heist Emma J., servant, h 33 Egj^pt 

HelfFestein Albert, h w side Cherry bet Marshall and Airy 
Helffe stein Benjamin W., piano dealer, h w side Swede bet Airy 

and Marshall 
Helffestein Emeline, widow Jonathan, h e side Cherry ab Airy 
Hendricks Joseph, h e side Stanbridge opp Wood 
Henniss Elizabeth, widow William, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Heninger George, h w side Willow c Appletree al 
Henry Solomon, laborer, h Lafayette bel Mark ley 
Henshall John, spinner, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Herman Reuben, h Stanbridge ab Marshall 
Hester Ellen, servant, h Egypt ab DeKalb 
Hevener Philip, clerk, h s side Oak bet Willow and Church 
Hevener Christian, cooper, e side Mill c Lafayette, h s side 

Washington c Mill 
High Samuel, dry goods, 144 Egypt 
High Sophia, millinery, 146 Eg3^pt 
Highly Cynthia, tailoress Strawberrj?- al bel Egypt 
Hill Benjamin, h s side Airy bel Swede 
Hill Jacob H., liquor, h Rambo House 
Hill John, confectionery, w side DeKalb bel Egypt, h do 
Hill John B., puddler, Lafayette ab Cherrj'- 
Hill Henry C, (Crawford & Hill) hardware, 208 Egypt, h w 

side Swede ab Marshall 
Hill William H., recorder of deeds, h w side Cherry bel Mar- 
shall 
Hilles David, h 148 Egypt 
Hillbright Augustus, grocer and lager b?cr, e side Powell ab 

Elm, h do 



146 XOEPJSTOWN AND BPJLGEPORT. 

Hines Elizabeth, widow Jesse, h Lafayette bcl Barbadocs 

Hints John, farmer, Hamilton c Sterigere 

Hinkel Wilham H., machinist, h e side Willow c Chestnut 

Hoffman Amanda, washing, h Lafayette bel Swede 

Hoffman James M., stoves, e side DeKalb bel Egypt, h n side 

Oak c Cherry 
Hoffman Peter, collector, h s side Airy ab Walnut 
Hoffman Philip W., h 87 Egypt 

Hoffman Samuel, farmer, h e side Stanbridge ab Roberts 
Hoff"man Thomas, farmer, h e side Stanbridge ab Roberts 
Hoffman Jacob, conveyancer, h w side Cherry bel Marshall 
Hoffman AViUiam, laborer, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Hoffman Franklin, carter, hn side Penn ab Cherry 
Hogan Henry (col'd) laborer, h n side Lafayette bcl DeKalb 
Holbean Frederick, tailor, h n side Penn ab Walnut 
Holcroft Thomas, spinner, h w side Buttonwood bel Jackson 
Hollinger.John, puddler. Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
HoUinger William, spinner, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Hollinger George, laborer, h 8 White Row 
HoUiday Nathan, mason, h s side Marshall bel Arch 
Hollowell Abel, cupper and bleeder, Swede ab Lafayette, h do 
Hollowell George, ostler, h Lafayette, bel Swede 
Holmes John ]NL, restaurant, w side Willow ab Marshall, h do 
Holstein Jules, professor of music, h w side Cherry bel Mar- 
shall 
Holstein Sarah, widow Matthias, h s side Egypt bel Walnut 
Holt Joseph, trader, h e side Swede ab Oak 
Hood Jesse, pork butcher, h s side Chestnut bel Church 
Hood Simeon, laborer, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Hood Michael, victualer. h n side Airy bel Norris 
Hooven Henry, h s side Egypt bel Green 
Hooven James, Korristown Iron Works, foot Barbadoes. h s 

side Egypt bel Green 
Hooven Luke G., warper, h e side Green abElm 
Hope & Co., cotton factor}^ s side Washington c Mill 
Hope John, (Hope & Co.) cotton factoiy, s side Washnigton c 

Mill, h n siele Oak c High 
Hopkins Isaac, (coFd) gardener, h w side Willow ab Roberts 
Horn Joseph T., shoemaker, h s siele Moore bel Arch 
Horn Jane M., weaver, h w side Buttonwood bel Jackson 
Horn Naomi T,, weaver, h w side Buttonwood bel Jackson 
Home Thomas laborer, h n side Washington ab Green 
Hough Elizabeth, widow Rev. Silas, h w side Swede c Oak 
Hough James, sawyer, h Lafayette c Cherrv 
Hough Mary, widow Robert, h n side Oak bel Cherry 
Hough Mary, h n side Oak bel Cherry 
Hawley James D., laborer, h n siele Lafayette bel Mill 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWX. 147 

Hub?r Cliristian, harness, 94 E^ypt, h do 

Huddleson William, stone cutter,' h Lafayette c Barbadocs 

Huffinan Jesse, tailor, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 

Hughes James M., scrivener, 4 Union Buildings s side Egypt 

bcl DeKalb 
Hughes L. & S., fancy dry goods, 4 Union Buildings s side 

Egypt btlow DeKalb 
HughcV Lydia, (L. & S. Hughes,) fancy dry goods,, 4 Union 

Building, s side Egypt bed DeKalb 
Hughes S., (L. & S. Hughes.) fancy dry goods, 4 Union Build- 

" ings s side Egypt bcl DeKalb 
Hummell Jonathan, restaurant, s side Egjqit bel Mill, h do 
Humphrey Rebecca R., h w side Swede c Oak 
Hunsicker Charles, lawyer, w side Swede ab Airy, h Swede bcl 

Marshall 
Hunsicker Jacob, law student, h w side DeKalb ab Penn 
Hunsicker Jolm M., coal, h Swede bel Marshall 
Hunsicker Sarah, widow Isaac, h e side Barbadoes btl Ann 
Hunsicker Michael, h s side Marshall bel Cherry 
Hurst Alfred, clerk, assistant quarter master's office, United 

States Xavy, at Philadelphia, h s side Egypt bet DeKalb 

and Green 
Hurst & Freedley, (Charles Hurst & John J. Freedley) wines 

and liquors, n side Penn c Markley 
Hurst Charles, (Hurst & Freedley) liquor, n side Penn c Mark- 
ley, h w side Swede ab Oak 
Hurst Thomas, stocking manufacturer, e side Stanbridge ab 

Elm, h do 
Hussher Martin, laborer, h n side Washington bel DeKalb 
Huston Charles, carpenter. Strawberry al bel Egypt 
Huston Samuel, carpenter, h w side DeKalb bel Lafayette 
Hutchinson Alexander, moulder, s side Penn ab Walnut 
Hyser Charles, bricklayer, h s side Chestnut ab Willow 



Innes Samuel, coach painter, h n side Airy on Sandy Hill 

Inon Thomas, machinist, h Lafayette ab Markley 

Iredell Robert, editor "Herald & Free Press," n side Egypt ab 

DeKalb, h n side Egypt bel Green 
Iredell Charles J., printer, h n side Eaypt bel Green 
Iredell James W., clerk, h Egypt belDeKalb 
Iron Jacob, (col'd ) laborer, h s side Basin c Trem.ont ay 
Isett Charles C, printer, h s side Marshall bel Walnut 
Isett Jacob, carpenter, h w side Egypt c Green 
Is3tt Josiah E., painter, h n side Egypt c Green 

J 

Jack Michael, laborer, h w side Barbadocs bel Marshall 



148 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Jackson Thomas H., patent rights, h w side Cherry bel Chest- 
nut 
Jackson Isaac, (col'd) brickmaker, h w side Willow ab Roberts 
Jackson Solomon, (col'd) carter, h w side Willow ab Roberts 
Jackson Emma, widow Alfred, h n side Penn ab Arch 
Jackson William, (col'd) laborer h w side Penn ab Arch 
Jacob Nathaniel, associate judge, h Swede ab Airy 
Jacobs Daniel F., shoemaker, h n side Marshall ab Willow 
Jacobs John, conductor, h w side De Kalb ab Wood 
Jacobs Charles, Jr., law student, h w side DeKalb ab Wood 
Jacobs Henry, h s side Penn bet Arch and Green 
Jacobs Philip, restaurant, Swede ab Lafayette 
Jacobus Daniel P., shoemaker, h n side Marshall c Willow 
Jacoby & Rudy, (Nathaniel Jacoby & Samuel R. Rudy) groce- 
ries, s side Egypt c Swede 
Jacoby Nathaniel, (Jacoby & Rudy) groceries, s side Egypt c 

Swede 
Jacoby Elizabeth M., widow Enos, h w side Swede ab Marshall 
Jaggers James, mason, h s side Washington bet Eord and 

Franklin 
James Mary, widow Levi, h n side Egypt bel Arch 
Jamison William M., cotton factory, foot DeKalb, h e side De- 
Kalb c Airy 
Jamison Samuel, h 197 Egypt 
Jamison John, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
Jamison Robert, operator, h s side Washington bet Mill and 

Green 
Jamison Samuel, sizer, h s side Oak bel Arch 
Jamison John, engineer, h e side Green bet Washington and 

Lafayette 
Jamison David, car maker, h w side Mill c Washington 
Jeiferies David W., farmer, h w side Swede bel Wood 
Jenkin Benjamin, livery stable, e side DeKalb ab Lafayette, h 

n side Washington ab Mill 
JenkinsHarriett, weaver, h Lafayette belBarbadocs 
Jenkins Major L., trader, h e side Green ab Egypt 
Johns Evan, h e side Egypt ab Walnut 

Johnston Margarett, widow Patrick, hn side Lafayette bel Mill 
Johnston John, laborer, h s side Penn bel Arch 
Johnson Jacob A. L., tailor, h s side Washington bel Franklin 
Johnson John F,, laborer, h s side Marshall bel DeKalb 
Johnson Samuel, (col'd) laborer, h s side Spruce bel Green 
Johnson Edward, tobacconist, Odd Fellows' Hall, h w side 

Cherry bel Marshall 
Johnson Benjamin, physician, h Egypt c Cherry 
Johnson Asbury M., laborer, h Lafayette abBarbadocs 
Johnson Samuel, carder, Lafayette ab DeKalb 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 149 

Johnson John, warper, Lafayette ab DeKalb 

Johnson jNIary, widow John, s side Penn ab DeKalb 

Jones & Walker, (Jonathan Jones & Lewis Walker) soap and 

candles, s side Egypt c Ford 
Jones Jonathan, (Jones & Walker) soap and candles, s side 

Egypt c Ford, h at Plymouth tp 
Jones Rowan, engineer, h Egypt abFord 
Jones William H., h w side DeKalb bel Spruce 
Jones John M., h w side DeKalb c Elm 
Jones Ralph, h s side Airy bel Arch 
Jones Jesse B. , sawyer, h Egypt ab Chain 
Jones William L., lawyer, 199 Egypt, h s side Egypt c Cherry 
Jones Barbara A. , h Barbadoes bet Washington and Lafayette 
Jones James, puddler, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Jones Thomas, puddler, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Jones John, puddler, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Jones Lloyd, publisher "Herald & Free Press," n side Egypt 

ab DeKalb, h n side Egypt bel Green 
Jones E. T., physician, h s side Washington bel DeKalb 
Jones Job, laborer, h w side Green bel Pine 
Jones Henry K., oysterman, h e side Green bel Spruce 
Jones Henry, (col') waiter, h e side Arch bel Oak 
Jones William, laborer, h e side Violet bel Jacoby 
Jones John, (col'd) laborer, h west side Willow ab Wood 
Jones Mary H., teacher, h n side Jacoby c Chain 
Jones Israel, farmer, h e side Cherry bet Penn and Airy 
Jones Samuel H. , nailer, h e side Cherry bet Penn and Airy 
Jones William, laborer, h s side Ellis ab Pine 

K 

Kahler John carpenter, h Astor bel Marshall 
Kahoe Mary, weaver, 14 White Row 
Kahoe Anna, weaver, 14 White Row 
Kampel Jacob, tailor, h e side Cherry bel Marshall 
Kane Andrew, coach smith, h w side Green bel Wood 
Kane Daniel, laborer, h n side Airy bel Arch 
Kane Patrick, laborer, h Washington ab Strawberry al 
Kane Rogers, laborer, h n side Cedar ab New Hope 
Kast Jacob, brewer, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Kearns James, laborer, h Schuylkill bet Barbadoes and Swede 
Keel Joseph, laborer, h n side Lafayette bel Egypt 
Keel J. Thompson, tailor, h n side Elm c Cherry 
Keeler John, cooper, h Egypt ab Cherry 
Keeler Susan, braid sewer, h Egypt ab Cherry 
Keeler Barbara, widow John, Sr., h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Keeler Benjamin, laborer, h n side Chestnut ab Willow 
Keeley Reuben, wheelwright, h w side Cherry bet Airy and 
^larshall 



150 NORRISTOWN AND BEIDGEPORT. 

Keely Frederick, bar tender, Rambo House, h do 

Keely Reuben, coach maker, h Cherry ab Airy 

Keen George, tailor, n side Egypt bel DeKalb, h do 

Keen Charles, tailor, h n side Egypt bel DeKalb 

Keen Samuel, tailor, hn side Egypt bel DeKalb 

Keesey John, h 82 Egypt 

Keisen Elias, provisions, 87 Egypt, h do 

Keiten Anthony W., shoes, s side Chestnut ab Willow, h do 

Keller Lydia, widow Samuel, shoes, 150 Egypt, h do 

Kelly Margaret, h w side Washington ab Swede 

Kelly Mary, widow James, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 

Kelly Mary, widow Patrick, h n side Washington bel Franklin 

Kelly Bridget widow Edmund, h s side Lafayette ab Green 

Kelly Michael, laborer, h w side Green ab Elm 

Kelly Ellen, widow, h Swede btl Washington 

Kelty Rebecca, widow Thomas, h Swede bel Washington 

Kempman Mary, servant, h Lafayette bel Markley 

Kempman Frederick A., laborer, h Lafayette bel Markley 

Kennedy Mary, widow William, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 

Kennedy Samuel victualer, h w side Willow ab Marshall 

Kepmer Lousia, widow John, h s side Penn ab Barbadoes 

Kern Louis, restaurant, Swede bel Lafayette 

Kern Bridget, widow Dennis, h s side Washington bel Franklin 

Kepper Wilham, carpenter, h w side DeKalb ab Elm 

Kerr John, Jr., h s side Marshall bel Norris 

KeseyMary, widow James, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 

Keven Susan, widow Michael, h n side Egypt bel Ford 

Kevin Michael, cap maker, h n side Lafayette bel Franklin 

Keyser Benjamin, plasterer, h 13 Norris bet Airy and Marshall 

Keyser Lewis T., ladies' shoes, n side Lafayette bel Mill, hdo 

Kilian Edmund, tinsmith, h w side Green bet Marshall and 

Chesnut 
Kinckner Jesse, trader, h w side Powell bel Spruce 
Kinckner John, carpenter, h n side Penn ab Barbadoes 
King William, restaurant, under New Market w side DeKalb c 

Marshall, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
King John, laborer, h Schuylkill bel Barbadoes 
King Henry, gardener, h n side Penn ab Barbadoes 
Kinkinger John, carpenter, hPenn bel Barbadoes 
Kirk & Egbert, (Edwin S. Kirk & Jesse R. Egbert) dry goods 

and groceries, w side DeKalb c Lafayette 
Kirk Edwin, (Kirk & Egbert) dry goods and groceries, DeKalb 

c Lafayette, h do 
Kirk Jane L., h w side Powell bet Elm and Spruce 
Kirk George B., h w side Powell bel Spruce 
Kirkbride Watson, bar tender, Railroad Hotel, hdo 
Kirkbride Sarah A., widow John, h w side Cherry ab Marshall 



DIRECTORY OF XORRISTOWX. 151 

Kirkbride Ferdinand P., moulder, hwside Cherry ab Marshall 

Kirkbride John H., patternmaker, hw side Cherry ab Marshall 

Kite Edmund A., agent, P. & N. R. R., h at R. R. Depot 

Kivel William, pedlar^ h Lafayette bel Barbadots 

Klair Samuel, shoemaker, w side Swede ab Marshall h do 

Klare Henry, wheelwright, h Swede ab Marshall 

Klein Caroline, widow John, teacher needle work, h w side 

Cherry ab Chestnut 
Kline Jonas K., carpenter, h eside Swede ab Oak 
Kneas Christopher, h s side Moore ab Walnut 
Kneas John, grocer, s side Moore ab Walnut, h do 
Knause John, shoemaker, h n side Basin bel Green, h do 
Kneedler Adam, h e side Swede ab Marshall 
Knight Jonas, conductor, h n side Egypt ab Walnut 
Knipe Silas, teacher, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Knockton Anthony, trader, h s side Chestnut ab Walnut 
Knopp George S., shoemaker, h s side Oak bel Arch 
Knouse Margaret, widow Jacob, h s side Washington bel Green 
Knowles Elizabeth, dress maker, h s side Marshall ab Arch 
Knox Thomas P. Hon., h Egypt bel Forest 
Kohler Belthasar, bookseller and binder 36 Egypt s side ab 

Green, h Montgomery House 
Kohn Gabriel, h w side ab Airy 
Kolplin Washington T., jeweller, 194 Egypt, h s side Swede 

ab Airy 
Koplin Philip, carpenter, h 131 Egypt 
Koplin Hannah, widow Mordecai, millinery, 88 Egypt, h 131 

Egypt 
Kramer Jacob, iron railing maker, e side DeKalb bel Washing- 
ton, h s side Elm bel Swede 
Krause David, lawyer, n side Airy bel Swede, h Egypt bel 

Forest 
Kr eider Mary, Avidow Anthony, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Kreissman Josephine, artificial flowers, w side Swede ab Airy 
Kreissman Albert, h w side Swede ab Airy 
Kremer Frederick C. , chain maker h Swede ab Oak 
Krivel Levi, carpenter, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Kugler George, shoemaker, w side Marshall ab Cherry, h s 

side Chorry ab Norris 
Kuglen Samuel, watchman, h Lafayette ab Cherry 
Kulp Jacob, h s side Chestnut bel Arch 
Kurtz Solomon, carpenter, h w side Cherry c Chestnut 
Kutz George, ostler, Pennsylvania Farmers' Hotel, h do 

L 

Lackner, Augustus, clothing, 212 Egypt, h do 
Lamberts Andrews, laborer, h Swede bel Jacobj 
Landes Jacob G., s side Egypt c Barbadoes, h e side Cherry be! 
Chestnut 



152 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Lanius Joseph, dyer, h n side Penn ab Cherry 

Lare Albanus, laborer, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 

Lare John , cooper, h e side Green ab Elm 

Lare George, victualer, w side Swede bel "Wood, h do 

Lare Willis, victualer, h w side Swede bel Wood 

Lare Harrison, laborer, h w side Swede bel Wood 

Latta John, fish dealer, h e side Powell c Spruce 

Layer Elias, laborer, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 

Lawler John, laborer, h s side Moore ab Walnut 

Lawler Michael, laborer, h w side Arch ab Chestnut 

Lawless Thomas, laborer, h Schuylkill bet Barbadoes and Swede 

Lawlis Catharine, widow Dennis, h n side Washington ab 

Green 
Lawson Henry, h e side DeKalb bel Jacoby 
Leaver Justus P., (Butz & Leaver) carpenter, e side green bel 

Marshall, h s side Marshall c Kohn 
LeBold Jacob, tailor, h s side Marshall ab Norris 
, Leer Mary, tailoress, h Barbadoes bel Egypt 
Lehman & Fizone, (Henry Lehman & Joseph Fizone) millers, n 

side Egypt c Stony Creek 
Lehman Henry (Lehman &Fizone) miller, n side Egypt c Stony 

Creek, h w side DeKalb bet Chestnut and Oak 
Leibert Henry, jeweler, 240 Egypt, h e side DeKalb ab Oak 
Leidy Hannah B., servant, h 180 Egypt 
Leisberber Auguste, tailor, h Washington House 
Leister Jacob, tinker, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Lennen Andrew, warper, 7 White Row 
Lentz Freeman, machinist, h 4 Union Building s side Egypt bel 

DeKalb 
Lenzi George A., daguerreotypist, 172^ Egypt, h w side DeKalb 

ab Penn 
Leopold Ferdinand W. , distiller, h n side Penn ab DeKalb 
Lesher William R., clothing, s side Egypt c DeKalb, hn side 

Airy ab Swede 
Lewis Charles (Slingluff'& Lewis) flour and feed, s side Egypt 

ab Walnut, h s side Elm ab Willow 
Lewis Elijah, farmer, h e side DeKalb ab Wood 
Lewis Elijah, Jr., victualer, h w side Powell bel Spruce 
Lewis Samuel B., plasterer, n side Penn ab Walnut 
Lewis Robert G. , plasterer, n side Penn ab Walnut 
Lewis Givinny, widow Job, h Astor ab Egypt 
Lewis Shadrach, blacksmith, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Lewis Evan, finisher, h wside Buttonwood bel Jackson 
Lewis Isaac R., victualer, h w side Swede ab Elm 
Lewis Sylvester, carter, h 11 Norris bel JMarshall 
Lewis William, (col'd) laborer, h s side Spruce ab Cherry 
Liebetraw Frederick, restaurant, Egypt c Green, h do 



DIRECTORY OF NORISTOWN. 153 

Lightcap Samuel, blacksmith, h s side Penn bet Barbadocs and 

Markley 
Lightcap Michael, shoemaker, e side Green bel Spruce, h do 
Lightcap Henry, laborer, h e side Cherry bel Chestnut 
Lindsay Alexander, h n side Penn ab Green 
Lindsay Malcom, blacksmith, Egypt ab Barbadocs h Airy ab 

Cherry 
Lindsay Robert, blacksmith, h Penn bel DeKalb 
Linger George, carpenter, h Chestnut bel Church 
Link Edward H., plumber, n side Egypt bel DeKalb, h De- 
Kalb c Basin 
Linker Henry, potter, h Lafayette c Pearl 
Linker Daniel, potter, h Chain bel Egypt 
Linker John, potter, h Lafayette c Pearl 
Linker George, carpenter, n side Chestnut bel Church 
Linsinbigler Charlotte, widow Samuel, h n sida Jacoby bet 

Willow and Church 
Livergood David, h e side Cherry bet Airy and Marshall 
Livezey John, shoemaker, h e side Green ab Elm 
Lloyd George W., h e side Swede ab Chestnut 
Loch John W., "DeKalb Institute," DeKalb ab Basin h w side 

DeKalb 
Lock Hannah, widow George, w side Green bel Penn 
Logan Emily, widow Thomas B., h 6 White Row 
Loghery David, stone cutter, h s side Penn ab Walnut 
Long & Vaughn (James Long & William Vaughn) painters, up 

stairs, n side Egypt ab Arch 
Lone; James, painter, n side Egypt ab Arch, h w side Willow 

"bel Oak 
Long David, carder, h e side DeKalb bel Washington 
Long Jacob, ostler, Farmers' & Mechanics' Hotel, h Lafayette 

ab Swede 
Long Patrick, tallow chandler, Lafayette c Markley, h Mark- 
ley ab Lafayette 
Long Samuel, canclle maker, h Lafayette bel Swede 
Long Ann, widow William, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Long Jane, h n side Lafayette bel Mdl 
Long Edwin M. Rev. , h e side Swede ab Oak 
Longaker D. & Co., (Daniel Longaker& Richard Markley) gro- 
cers, s side Egypt c DeKalb 
Longaker Daniel, (D. Longaker & Co.) grocer, s side Egypt c 

DeKalb, h w side DeKalb c Penn 
Longaker A. Brower, lawyer, Swede c Penn, h DeKalb ab 

Marshall 
Longaker John, carpenter, n side Marshall bel Green 
Longaker Davis, nailer, h s side Moore bel Arch 
Lookncss David, carter, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Lougherty Joseph, engineer, 3 Lafayette av 



154 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Loughery Robert, laborer, h n side Washington bet Mill and 

Green 
Longs'.reth Benjamin, farmer, h e side Oak bel Airy 
Low William (col'd) coachman, h n side Airy bel Arch 
Lowe Catharine, widow John, h w side Green bel Lafayette 
Luckens William, carpenter, h n side Oak c Maple al 
Lukens Frank, laborer, h 227 Egypt, up stairs 
Lukens George W. , hatter, h 234 Egypt 
Lusby William F., shoemaker, h w side Cherry bet Airy and 

Marshall 
Lutz Elizabeth, widow Jacob, h w side Cherry bel Chestnut 
Lysinger Mary, widow John, h e side Swede ab Oak 

M 

McAffee Lewis, painter, h Swede c Lafayette 
McAllister John, farmer, h e side Powell bel Wood 
McBride John, roller, h Lafayette bel Swede 
McCalley Benjamin, cooper, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
McCalley Isabella, tailoress, h Lafayette bel Strawberry alley 
McCann William, h Egypt bel Walnut 
McCarson Mark, soap boiler, h n side Egypt bel Franklin 
McCarter & Brothers, (Arthur, Samuel and John) Montgomery 

iron foundry and machine shop, Washington c Strawberry 

alley 
McCarter Arthur, (McCarter & Brothers) foundry, Washington 

c Strawberry alley, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
McCairter Samuel, (McCarter & Brothers) foundry, Washington 

c Strawberry alley, h n side Marshall c Willow 
McCarter John, (McCarter & Brothers) foundry Washington c 

Strawberry alley, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
McCarter xMary, widow Samuel, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
McCartar Marshall, machinist, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
McCarter Joseph, laborer, h w side Swede bet Chestnut and 

Oak 
McCarty Eliza, widow, h Lafayette c Strawberry alley 
McCauly Elizabeth, widow Nathan, h n side Lafayette bel 

Mill 
McCauly Eliza, h w side Green c Lafayette 
McClennan Charles, clerk, h Marshall bel Cherry 
McClennan Amanda, milliner, h Marshall bel Cherry 
McClennan James, laborer, h Middle alley bel Swede 
McClinchy James, laborer, h s side Washington ab Ford 
McColly John, cooper, h w side Arch c Marshall 
McCoombs Samuel, blacksmith, h n side Sandy bel Walnut 
McConnalogue James, laborer, h s side Washington bet Frank- 
lin and Ford 
McCorkcl Alexander, h s side Oak ab Church 
McCorkel Alexander, painter, s side Egypt ab Swede, h n side 

Chestnut ab Willow 



DIRECTORY OF :N'0RRIST0WN. 155 

McCoy Hugh, confectioner, h 174 Egypt 
McCoy William, gas maker, h n side Lafayette ab Walnut 
McCoy James, laborer, e side Walnut bet Moore and Marshall 
McCoy William, plasterer, n side Lafayette bel Mill 
McCoy Uriah, plasterer, h e side Walnut bet Moore and Mar- 
shall 
McCoy Rebecca, widow John, h w side Cherry ab Marshall 
McCoy John, blacksmith, h w side Cherry ab Marshall 
McCoy James, plasterer, h n side Airy ab Walnut 
McCoy John, steam and gas litter, 93 Egypt, hn side Chest- 
nut c Cherry 
McCurdy William, broom maker, r h n side Washington bel 

Franklin 
McDade Patrick, spinner, h w side Washington ab Swede 
McDade John, laborer, h w side Washington ab Swede 
McDade William, laborer, h w side Washington ab Swede 
McDade Daniel, puddler, h w side Washington ab Swede 
McDaniel Charles, shoemaker, h w side Cherry bet Airy and 

Marshall 
McDermond David R., hosiery and variety, 228 Egypt, h 148 

Egypt 
McDermott John, superintendent Ewemg's cotton factory, h 

e side Swede btl Lafayette 
McDermott John, dry goods and groceries, n side Swede c 

Washington, h do 
McDermott Michael, warper, h Swede c Washington 
McDermott Michael, h s side Lafayette ab Cherry 
McDermott Michael, shoemaker, h s side Lafayette ab Cherry 
McDermott Henry, liquor, Swede c Lafayette, h Swede c W^ash- 

ington 
McDermott William, teller Bank Montgomery County, h La- 
fayette ab Cherry 
McDermott Henry, clerk, h Swede c Washington 
McDonald Thomas, weaver, h 5 White Row 
McDonnald John, laborer, h s side Lafayette bel Franklin 
McDonough Edward, spinner, h w side Green bel Penn 
McFarland Hannah, widow John, h Marshall ab Astor 
McGee Thomas, laborer, h Washington ab DeKalb 
McGenty Edward, warper, h Egypt bel Franklin 
McGiligan William, warper, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
McGiligan George, machinist, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
McGinley John H., mason, h s side Penn ab Walnut 
McGinley Mary, widow Patrick, h n side Washington bel 

Swede 
McGlade Susan, widow Arthur, h Schuylkill c Hickey 
McGlathery Mehelm, h w side Swede ab Airy 
McGlathery Charles S., bricklayer, h e side Cherry ab Airy 



156 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. ^ 

McGonegal Jane, widow William, h 10 White Row 
McGonegal William, twister, h 10 White Row 

McGookin , mason, h n side Washington bel Franklin 

McGrath Patrick, watchman, h e side Cherry ab Elm 
McGuchen Henry, laborer, h s side Washington bet Franklin 
McGuire John, dealer, h n side Washington bet Franklin and 

Ford 
McGuire Thomas, laborer, h n side Washington ab Green 
McGulrack Patrick, laborer, h n side Marshall ab Willow 
McKay & Stinson, (John McKay & Stephen P. Stinson) dry 

goods and groceries, n side Egypt c Swede 
McKay John, (McKay & Stinson) dry goods and groceries, n 

side Egypt c Swede, h Egypt ab Swede 
McKeeman Robert, machinist, h Lafayette bel Barbadocs 
McKem David, spinner, h Washington ab DeKalb 
McKeever Alfred, tailor, h w side DeKalk bel Egypt 
McKeever Reuben, tailor, h w side DeKalb btl Egypt 
McKeever, John, tailor, w side DeKalb bel Egypt, h do 
McKewon Thomas, h Schuylkill bet Barbadoes and Swede 
McKibben Dennis, weaver, h Markley bel Lafayette 
McKibben Mary, widow John, h Markley bel Lafayette 
McKibben John, laborer, h Swede bel Washington 
McKimley, laborer, h n side Moore bet High and Violet 
McKnight George S., h s side Egypt c Walnut 
McLaughlin Roseanna, h 11 White Row 
McLeer Daniel, roller coverer and woolen goods, w side DeKalb 

bel Egypt, h do 
McLennan Charles, ckrk, h s side Marshall btl Norris 
McLennan Matthew R., printer, h s side Marshall bel Norris 
McMannus Ann, widow Bennett, h Washington ab DeKalb 
McMeekin Thomas, spinner, h n side Penn ab DeKalb 
McMeekin Agnes, widow James, h n side Penn ab DeKalb 
McMeekin James, carpenter, h Lafayette c Strawberry alle}'' 
McMiller Henry, lawyer. Airy c Church, h e side DeKalb c Elm 
McMuUin Edward, spinner, h w side Washington ab Swede 
McNamee Elizabeth, milliner, h 4 Union buildings sside Egypt 

bel DeKalb 
McNichal Barney, laborer, h Schuylkill bet Barbadoes and 

Swede 
McNulty Michael, laborer, h s side Elm ab Cherry 
McNulty Sarah, shoebinder, h Egypt ab Barbadoes 
McPhalamy James, laborer, h Hickey ab Schuylkill 
McVaugh David J., dry goods, 176 Egypt, h n side Airy ab 

Swede 
McVaugh Morgan II., painter, e side DeKalb bet Marshall and 

Airy, h n side Jacoby c Church 
Machamawa Patrick, lalx)rer, h Buttonwood bel Marshall 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 157 

Madden John, laborer, h Washington ab Strawberry alley 
Magee William, weaver, h Washington ab Swede 
Magee William, moulder, h Washington ab Swede 
Magee Matthew, machinist, h w side Green bet Egypt and Pcnn 
Magee Harriet, h n side Chestnut ab Willow 
Maitland Thomas M., h 101 Egypt 

Major John E,., (Rambo & Major) dry goods, s side Egypt be 
DeKalb, h w side Swede bet Airy and Marshall ^ 

Major & Corson, (John Major Jr. and Thomas F. Corson,) gro- 
cers, 217 Egypt 
Major John Jr., (Major & Corson) grocer, 217 Egypt, h s side 

Penn ab DeKalb 
Major Daniel H., proprietor Rambo House, opp Court House 
Major Samuel, carter, h w side Cherry ab Egypt 
Major Catharine, wndow Thomas, h w side Cherry ab Egypt 
Major Catharine, dressmaker, h w side Cherry ab Egypt 
Major Rebecca, dressmaker, h w side Cherry ab Egypt 
Major Jane, dressmaker, h w^ side Cherry ab Egypt 
Major J. Benton, printer, h w side Swede c Airy 
Mallery Daniel G. Rev., w side Cherry c Marshall 
Malone Catharine, widow Walter, h Walnut c Egypt 
Malony John, beamer, h Egypt ab Swede 
Malony Joshua, h Egypt ab Swede 
Maloy Francis, helper, h Lafayette ab Cherry 
March Franklin B., law student, h w side DeKalb ab Pcnn 
Markley Abraham, superintendent gas works, h e side Swede 

ab Airy 
Markley John, barber, under Rambo House, h do 
Markley Samuel, carpenter, h s side Marshall ab Arch 
Markley Thompson, merchant at Philadelphia, h 131 Egypt 
Markley Isaac, clerk markets, h 3 Norris bel Marshall 
Markley Sophia W., tailoress, h 3 Norris bel Marshall 
Markley Mary, widow Samuel, h w side Swede bel Wood 
Markley Richard (D. Longaker & Co.,) grocer, s side Egypt c 

DeKalb, h Penn bel DeKalb 
Markley Ellen, w^idow Samuel, dry goods, n side Egypt btl 

DeKalb, h do 
Markley Samuel, carpenter, h Marshall btl Arch 
Martin William, laborer, h Marshall bel Kohn 
Martin James, laborer, h w side Green bel Pine 
Martin Robert, spinner, h w side Arch ab Airy 
Martin Sarah, w4dow John, h s side Penn ab Arch 
Marshall George, (col'd) h w side Swede bel Wood 
Mason John, beamer, h Egypt btl Washington 
Mason William, beamer, h Schuylkill ab Swede 

Mason , h s side Washington bel DeKalb 

Mason Daniel, laborer, h e side Arch ab Oak 



158 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Mason Patrick, h e side Arch ab Oak 
Mason Thomas, (col'd) h w side Willow bel Spruce 
Matthews Annie, operator, h s side Washington bel Green 
Matthews Frederick K,, draughtsman,h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Mathys Frederick, draughtsman, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Matson William, farmer, h w side Koon ab Oak 
Matthias John, millwright, h Egypt bel Mill 
Matthias George, farmer 

Matthias Jacob, merchant, h Farmers' & Mechanic' Hotel 
Mattis John, laborer, h n side Roberts ab Willow 
Mecaskey J. W. Rev., h n side Chestnut bel Church 
Meeh Christian, confectioner}^ 174 Egypt, h do 
Meeh Theodore, confectioner, h 174 Egypt 
Meenan Daniel, laborer, h Hicke}^ ab Schuylkill 
Megowen Thomas C, grocer, w side DeKalb c Jacoby 
Meredith Hannah, seamstress, h Cherry ab Airy 
Meredith Timothy, (col'd) laborer, h n side Basin bd Arch 
Meshter Antrim, mason, h e side Arch c Marshall 
Metz Abraham M., clerk, h Barbadoes ab Penn 
Meyerson Lyman B., clothing, 222 Egypt, h Cherry bel Mar- 
shall 
Michael Hugh, weaver, Washington ab DeKalb 
Michner Susan, dressmaker and tailoress, h s side Egypt bel 

Green 
Midgley William, mason, h n side Airy ab Cherry 
Miearseak Lewis, miller, h n side Egypt bet Airy and Walnut 
Milts Preston D., puddler, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Mills Ephriam C, rollerman, h s side Chestnut c Church 
Mills Joseph C, miller, h s side Airy ab Cherry 
Miller Thomas, blacksmith, s side Penn bet Arch and Green, 

h n side Egypt bel Mdl 
Miller Isaac H , blacksmith and coach shops, n side Lafayette 

c Green, h e side DeKalb ab Elm 
Miller Jacob, tailor, h w side DeKalb ab Penn 
Miller William, baker, h 212 Egypt 

Miller Charles T., lawyer, 201 Egypt, h e side DeKalb abElm 
Miller Henry, millwright, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Miller Isaac A., farmer, h n side Brown bet High and Tremont 

av 
Miller John P., carpenter, h n side Moore bet Walnut and 

Arch 
Milne James, papermakcr, h w side Haws ab Sterigere 
Minturn Robert, (col'd) barber, under Farmers' and Mechanics' 

Hotel, h do 
Mintzer George B., physician, e side Cherrj^ bet Marshall an I 

Chestnut 
Mitchell Edward, laborer, h n sielc Basin bel Green 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWX. 159 

Montgomery William, farmer, h on Stony Creek ab Stanbridge 
Monroe Tharrington, (col'd) h s side Penn ab Arch 
Mooray Michael, laborer, h Swede bel Washington 
Moore James W., grocer, s side Egypt bel Franklin, h do 
Moore William, trader, n side EgyjDt ab Arch, h w side Smith 

bel Arch 
Moore J. F., grocer, h e side DeKalb ab Penn 
Moore & Ramey agents (Jacob T. Moore and Charles Ramey,) 

grocers, 216 Egypt 
Moore Jacob T., (Moore & Ramey) grocer, 216 Egypt, h De- 
Kalb ab Penn 
Moore Joseph, grocer, Lafayette btl Cherry, h do 
Moore George, h Lafayette ab Strawberry al 
Moore Sarah, h Lafayette ab Strawberry al 
Moore Amos, laborer, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Moore Jesse, blacksmith, h n side Ann ab Cherry 
Moore Nathan, nailer, h w side Barbadoes c Ann 
Moore John C, stone cutter, h n side Oak ab Maple al 
Moore Jesse W., laborer, h e side Swede ab Roberts 
Moore Charles S., plasterer, h Sandy bel Walnut 
Moore John, sewing machine operator, w side Smith ab Oak, 

hdo 
Moore Edward W., bricklayer, h w side Smith ab Oak 
Moore Edward B., clerk courts, h e side Swede bet Chestnut 

and Oak 
Moore John M., teacher, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Morris Henry, machinist, h n side Lafayette belMiU 
Morris Margaret, widow INIichael, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Morrow John, h n side Washington bel Franklin 
Morton Eliza, widow George, h s side Penn ab DeKalb 
Morton Jacob, spinner, h n side Penn ab DeKalb 
Mowday David, cabinetmaker, s side Egypt ab Mill, h do 
Mowery George, carpenter, h e side Swede bet Oak and Jacoby 
Moyer James, marble yard, e side DeKalb bet Airy and Mar- 
shall, h s side Airy bet Swede and Cherry 
Moyer Joseph B., tobacconist, h w side Penn c Green 
Moyer Joseph, machinist, h Egypt c Cherry 
Moyer William, conductor P., G. and N. R. R., h Egypt c 

Cherry 
Moyer Joseph, Jr., machinist, h Egypt c Cherry 
Moyer Owen, laborer, h 100 Egypt 
Moyer Samuel D., shoes, s side Airy ab DeKalb, h do 
Moyer Jacob, farmer, h e side Selma ab Roberts 
Moyer Jacob, milkman, h s side Oak bel Cherry 
Moyer William R., blacksmith, n side Lafayette bel Mill, h s 

side Egypt ab Arch 
Moyer Samuel S., carpenter, h e side Cherry b:l Marshall 



160 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Moyer Matilda, widow Henry, boarding h Lafayette bel Mark- 
ley 
Muglewe James, gasfitter 
Muir Lewis, shoemaker, 96 Egypt, h do 
Mullen Margaret, h s side Washington bel DeKalb 
Mullen Julia, h s side Washington bel DeKalb 
Mullen Patrick, laborer, h n side Chestnut ab Walnut 
Mulvany Daniel H., lawyer, n side Egypt ab DeKalb, h Egypt 

west end 
Munner Francis, carder, h s side Washington bet Mill and 

Green 
Munshower Enos L., confectionery and carpet weaver, n side 

DeKalb ab Egypt, h do 
Munshower Henry S., tailor, h n Airy bel Arch 
Murphy James, laborer, h n side Egypt bel Ford 
Murphy James, laborer, h n side Airy bel Arch 
Murphy Sarah, widow William, h e side Arch bel Oak 
Murphy Timothy, laborer, h s side Fornance ab New Hope 
Murphy Bridget, speeder, h n side Washington ab Swede 
Murphy Joseph, laborer, h n side Washington ab Swede 
Murphy Dennis, laborer, h n side Washington ab Ford 
Murray Elizabeth, widow Jacob, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
Murray Mary, Widow William, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Murray John, twister, h 6 White Kow 
Murray James, shoemaker, h n side AVashington bel Swede 
Murray John B., laborer, h w side Green bel Marshall 
Myers John, carpenter, h n side Airy ab Walnut 
Myers Joseph S. , h n side Jacoby ab Willow 
Myers Jonas, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Myers Harvey, h n side Airy ab Walnut 
Myers Lewis, engineer, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Myers Oliver, heater, h Lafayette bel Markley 

N 

Nace Mary A. S., h e side Cherry bet Airy and Marshall 
Nace Samuel S, h e side Cherry bet Airy and Marshall 
Nase Elias, restaurant, 88 Egypt, h do 
Natty James, soapboiler, h n side Egj^pt bel Franklin 
Neavel Elias, carpet weaver, h n side Chestnut bel Church 
Nebel John, laborer, h s side Lafayette r Briggs' office 
Neiman Charles, farmer, h Chain ab Egypt 
Neiman John, farmer, h w side Hamilton c Brown 
Neiman William, clerk, h Lafayette bel Barbadocs 
Neiman William, clerk, h n side Lafayette ab Cherry 
Newbiggin Edwin, trader, h s side Marshall bet Arch and Wal- 
nut 
Newcomer John, laborer, h e side Cherry btl Chestnut 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 161 

Nice Elizabeth, widow George, h E^ypt bcl Markley 

Nice Jacob, h 57 Egypt 

Nolan Julia, h Washington ab DeKalb 

Norney Andrew, lime burner, h Washington House 

Norton William, roller, h Schuykill ab Barbadoes 

Novioch Edwin, coal, Egypt c Barbadoes, h Barbadoes bcl 

Egypt 
Novioch Henry, h Swede bel Lafayette 
Novioch Ralph W. , carpenter, h s side Elm bel Church 
Nungesser Peter, laborer, h Egypt bel Ford 
Nungesser William, shoemaker, h Egypt bel Ford 
Nungesser John, laborer, h rear Egypt bel Markley 
Nungesser William Jr., roller, h Lafayett ■ bel Barbadors 
Nungesser John Sr., superinten.dent, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Nungesser Joseph, roller, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Nungesser William Sr., laborer, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Nungesser John Jr., roller, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Nuss John, mason, h Knox bel Egypt 
Nuss Henry Sr., carpenter, h Knox bel Egypt 
Nuss Henry Jr., cooper, h Knox bel Egypt 



Oaks Dennis, spinner, h Lafayette ab Swede 
Oaks Joseph, machinist, n side Penn ab Cherry 
O 'Brian Mary, servant, h Swede bel Marshall 
O'Brien Elizabeth, seamstress, h Lafayette ab Swede 
O'Brien Joseph, laborer, h n side Sandy ab Walnut 
O 'Conner Bridget, servant, h Egypt c Franklin av 
O 'Daniels John, roller, h s side Ann ab Cherry 
O'Donnell Barney, laborer, h w side Green ab Egypt 
O'Donnell John, beamer, h s side Lafayette bel DeKalb 
O'Donoghue Jeremiah Rev., h s side Washington ab Cherry 
O'Kane James, boatman, h n side Elm c Thomas 
Oldfield William, carpenter, h n side Egypt ab Walnut 
Olive Elitha, widow James K., h n side Jacoby bel Church 
O'Neil Samuel, manufacturer, h n side Egypt bel Arch 
O'Neil Samuel P., manager, h s side Washington bet Mill and 

Green 
O'Neil James, machinist, h s side Airy bet Arch and Walnut 
O'Neil Thomas, profesor of music, "Oakland Female Semi- 
nary," h n side Jacoby bel Swede 
O'Neil Thomas, laborer, h n side Washington bel Swede 
O'Neil Markley, laborer, h s side Airy ab Walnut 
O'Neil Michael, laborer, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
O'Neil Felix, puddler, h Washington bel Barbadoes 
O'Neil Daniel, laborer, h 9 White Row 
O'Neil Dennis, wrapper, h n side Lafayette ab Green 



162 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

O'Neil John, razor and scissors grinder, h s side Penn bel Arch 
Oran Robert, paper mill, w side Haws ab Sterigere, h do 
Ortlip Jefferson, heater, h Egypt bel Marklej 
Orner Lewis, mason, h w side Barbadoesbel Marshall 
Ottinger "William, coach maker, h Norris City Hotel 
Overholtzer Julia, operator sewing machine, h Airy bel Cherry 
Overholtzer Samuel, clerk, 190 E^ypt, h Airy bel Cherry 



Parker Robert, (col'd) laborer, h n side Airy ab Walnut 
Parker Charles N,, patternmaker, c Marshall and Haws av 
Parkinson Thomas, beamer,h s side Washington bet Ford and 

Franklin 
Patton Robert, carder, h e side Church bet Airy and Marshall 
Paxson Jacob L., brickmaker, h w side Powell bel Fornauce 
Payne Mary J., (col'd) widow Willam, h n side Penn ab Walnut 
Pearce Charlotte, widow George, confectionery, s side Penn ab 

Arch 
Peirce Thomas, teacher, h n side Jacobyc Church 
Pennypacker John, grocer, e side Arch c Airy, h do 
Pennypacker Matthias, feed, hs side Airy bet Arch and Walnut 
Pennypacker Milton H., flour and feed, n side Egypt bel Walnut 
Perry W. & Co., (William & John Perry) livery stable, e side 

DeKalb bel Washington 
Perry William, (W. Perry & Co.) livery stable e side DeKalb 

bel Washington, h n side Washington bel Green 
Perry John, (W. Perry & Co.) livery stable, e side DeKalb bel 

Washington, h n side Washington bel Green 
Perry George, liquor, n side Washington c Green, h do 
Perry Dougherty, h Washington c Green 
Perry EHzabeth, widow George, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Perry Isabella, widow Samuel, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Perry Margaret S., seamstress, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Petard Francis, dyer, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Peters Samuel, shoemaker, h w side Markley ab Egypt 
Pettee Calvin, grocer, n side Egypt c Walnut, h do 
Philips James, carder, h s side Egypt ab Stanbjidge 
Philips James, (col'd) trader, h n Stony Creek n Elm 
Phillips Jacob, (col'd) trader, h e side Powell e Wood 
Phipps Abraham, mason, h eside Green bel Wood 
Piffer John, laborer, h e side Norris ab Airy 
place John, laborer, h Egypt bel Markley 
Plumley Emily, h w side Washingtou ab Swede 
Poley Francis B., physician, e side De Kalb ab Wood h do 
Poley Jeremiah, dry goods, w side Cherry c Marshall, h n side 

Chestnut bel Church 
Poley George, h s side Marshall ab Aston 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN' 163 

Pollick William, carpenter, h n side Basin ab Violet 

Pomcroy Hannah, widow John, h Swede bel Oak 

Porter Alfred S., machinist, h s side Marshall bel Violet 

Porter John, laborer, h n side Egypt bel Franklin 

Potts John, lumber and coal, Lafayette at Stony Creek, h 195 

Egypt 
Potts Thomas W., magistrate, Swede ab Lafayette, h do 
Potts Anna G., teacher, h s side Ann bel Cherry 
Potts David, lumber, h n side Jacoby bet Church and Willow 
Potts Thomas P., lawyer, at Philadelphia, h Swede ab Airy 
Powell Benjamin, lawyer, 219 Egypt, h n side Egypt c Green 
Powell Ann, widow William, h 221 Egypt 
Powell Alvina A., h 221 Egypt 
Powell John W. , laborer, h 221 Egypt 
Powell Jane, h 221 Egypt 
Powell Sarah, h 221 Egypt 
Powell George H., printer, h Egypt bel Green 
Powers Philip, laborer, h e side Washington ab Swede 
Price George, (col'd) laborer, h s side Elm ab Cherry 
Priest Edward, box maker, n side Egypt c Arch (up stairs) h 

Varanda House 
Priest William H., blacksmith, h w side Swede ab Washington 
Prince Henry, nail packer, h n side Marshall ab Norris 
Printz John, farmer, h e side Arch bet Brown and Roberts 
Pugh Charles, moulder, h e side Swede bel Basin 
Pugh Eli, laborer, h e side Cherry bel Chestnut 
Pugh Rees, pattern book clasp maker, h w side Powell bet 

Elm and Spruce 

Q 

Quillman Jacob, proprietor, Veranda Hotel, n side Airy c De- 

Kalb 
Quillman Henry, h Veranda Hotel 
Quillman & Son, (Daniel & Jacob F.) hardware, tinware and 

stoves, 162 Egypt c Swede 
Quillman Daniel (Quillman & Son) hardware, 162 Egypt, h w 

side Swede ab Airy 
Quin Robert, cutter, h Lafayette ab Cherry 
Quinlin Joseph, laborer, h n side Airy ab Walnut 
Quinn Mary, servant, h Swede c Washington 
Quirk Catharine, widow Philip, hn side Washington ab Green 

E 

Radcliff Charles, blacksmith, h4 Union Buildings s side Egypt 

bel DeKalb 
Ralstone Benjamin, weaver, h Egj^pt bel Mill 
Ralston J. Grier Rev., ''Oakland Female Seminary," n side 

Egypt opp Franklin, h do 



164 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Ralston John K. superintendent ''Oakland Female Seminary,' 

n side Egypt opp Franklin, h do 
Rambo & Major, (Robert Rambo & John R. Major) dry goods, 

3 Union Buildings s side Egypt bel DeKalb 
Ramibo Robert, (Rambo & Major) dry goods, s side Egypt bel 

DeKalb, h at Bridgeport 
Ramsay Francis, dentist, h w side DeKalb bel Egypt 
Ramsay Charles, grocer, 216 Egypt, h w side Swede bel Mar- 
shall 
Ramsay Reuben, clerk, h s side "Washington ab Mill 
Ramsay Charles, shoemaker, h n side Cherry bet Airy and 

Marshall 
Raj ine Willrm S., laborer, h w side Washington ab Swede 
Razor William, blacksmith, h e side Swede ab Oak 
Read Jcseph C, (Stephens & Read) coal and wood, w side De- 
Kalb c Washington, h Railroad House 
Read Lewis W., physician, h side Egypt ab Green 
Read Kate B., weaver, h w side Butlonwcod bel Jackson 
Reazcr John, laborer, h s side Airy ab Sweele 
Reazor Andrew J., barber, 129 Egypt, h e side Cherry ab Airy 
Reazor Enos M., boiler maker, h w side Swede bel Wood 
Redifer Amanda, widow John, h 4 Norris bel Marshall 
Redman James, laborer, h n side Washington bet DeKalb and 

Green 
Redmond Ann, wddow Patrick, h w side Washington ab Swede 
Reed. John W., tailor, h s side Penn ab Arch 
Reed Andrew, hatter, h Washington Hotel 
Rees John G., cutter, h Chain ab Egypt 
Rees John, segars, s side Washington ab Ford, h do 
Rees David, h Chain bet Egypt and Marshall. 
Reese Elizabeth, widow Vincent, h n side Airy bel Walnut 
Reese Ezekiel, blacksmith, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Reese Leclf, showman, h Lafayette bel Barbadoes 
Reeves Robert, piecer, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Reeves William, spinner, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Rehal James, cstler, R. R. Hotel, h do 

Reiff* Jonas A., groceries, w^ side Swede c Airy, he side Cher- 
ry ab Airy 
Reiff Morris A., clerk, h Egypt bel Franklin 
Reiff William P., h Marshall bel Haws avenue 
Reiff* George B., h n side Egypt bel Walnut 
Reiff" George A., h n side Egypt bel Walnut 
Reiff" Thomas J., shoemaker, h n side Penn c Cherry 
Rennie Henr}^, superintendent, h w side Button wood bel 

Jackson 
Reilly Patrick 0., carpenter, h 14 White Row 
Repport Jacob, sexton, h s side Chestnut bet Willow and 
Church 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. " 165 

Reynolds Ellen, h e side Sweede bel Oak 

Rhoad Ezekiel, blacksmith, h chain bcl Egypt 

Rhoads William, laborer, h Chain bel Egypt 

Rhoads William, dragger, h e side Barbadoes ab Schuylkill 

Rich S. N., district attorney, n side Airy bel Swede h Egypt c 

Franklin avenue 
Rich Elizabeth, widow George K., confectionery, s sideDeKalb 

ab Lafayette h do 
Richards David, shoemaker, e side DeKalb ab Washington 

hdo 
Richards Martha E., widow John, h w side DeKalb bet Oak 

and Jacoby 
Richards Jacob, ostler, h Egypt bel Markley 
Richards Jeremiah, restaurant 126 Egypt h do 
Richards John, Machinist, h e side Church bel Marshall 
Richards Aaron, feed, n side Marshall ab Cherry, h w side 

Cherry c Marshall 
Richardson Margaret, physician, h e side Cherry bet Marshall 

and Chestnut 
Richardson Thomas C, shoes, n side Marshall ab Swede, h n 

side Airy bel Norris 
Richardson Thomas, Shoemaker, h n side Airy ab Cherry 
Richner Rudolph, machinist, h s side Fornance abNew Hope 
Rigg Peter, laborer, h Lafayette bel Strawberry alley 
Rigg Peter, puddler, h n side Penn ab DeKalb 
Riley Daniel, heater, 1 Lafayette avenue 
Riley Hugh, laborer, h swede ab Washington 
Riley Bernard, laborer, h e side Washington ab Swede 
Rimby John, roller, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Rimby Julia A., widow Jacob, h Barbadoes bet Washington 

and Lafayette 
Risdon George W., coach trimmer, h Norris City Hotel 
Rittenhouse Christopher, wheelwright, s side Egypt bel Arch, 

h n side Egypt bel Arch 
Rittenhouse Charles, machinist, h n side Egypt bel Arch 
Rittenhouse Samuel, laborer, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Rittenhouse Thomas P. , carpenter, h s side Penn ab Cherry 
Rittenhouse Jacob, boatman, h n side Airy ab Cherry 
Rittenhouse Maria, h s side Ann bel Cherry 
Rittenhouse John, puddler, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Ritter Henry B., tobacconist. Odd Fellows Hall, e side DeKalb 

bel Egypt, h Montgomery Hotel 
Ritter John, tinsmith, h Penn ab Cherry 
Ritter Franklin, mason, h s side Moore bel Arch 
Robbins Mary A., widow Samuel, h Swede c Harper 
Roberts William, laborer, h Astor ab Egypt 
Roberts Samuel C., conveyancer, s side Egypt c cherry, h do 



166 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Roberts Jacob R., druggist, h s side Marshall bel DeKalb 
Roberts Davis W., carpenter, h s side Marshall bel DeKalb 

Roberts widow Jonathan, h e side Arch bel Jacoby 

Roberts Mary W., teacher, h n side Jacoby n Swede 

Roberts John, clerk, h n side Jacoby n Swede 

Roberts Curtis, carpenter, h n side Oak btl Cherry 

Roberts Mary, h e side Stanbridge n James 

Roberts & Rose, (Levi Roberts and Thomas Rose) brick yard 

s side Eight bel Ford 
Roberts Levi (Roberts & Rose) brick yard s side Egypt bel 

Ford, h s side Egypt c Franklin 
Roberts H. L., saddler and Harness, 95 Egypt, h do 
Robins Jacob, roller, h s side Barbadoes ab Schuylkill 
Robinson William, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Robinson Daniel, machinist, h Washington Hotel 
Roche George W., clerk, Jamison's Cotton Factory, h w side 

DeKalb bel Elm 
Rodebaugh Nathan, laborer, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Rogers George W., lawyer, n side Airy bel Swede, h w side 

Swede bel Marshall 
Rogers James, laborer, h n side Oak ab Violet 
Rogers David, h w side DeKalb bet Elm and Spruce 
Rogers Edward, laborer, h n side Airy bel Arch 
Rose Thomas J., (Roberts & Rose) brick yard s side Egypt 

bel Ford, h Egypt bel Walnut 
Ross Daniel (col'd) laborer, h w side Green ab Elm 
Rossiter Joseph, teacher, h 221 Egypt 
Rossiter Samuel Y., (Dotterer & Co.) skin dresser, 227 Egypt, 

h e side Cherry ab Marshall 
Rossiter Lindley, h 229 Egypt 
Rossiter William, magistrate and conveyancer, n side Penn 

bel Swede, h Airy bel Swede 
Rothe Andrew, helper, h Lafayette c Cherry 
Roudenbush Maria, servant, h Ram bo House 
Roudenbush Sarah, servant, h 73 Egypt 
Rowand Joseph, h Yarandah Hotel 
Rowe Edward H. , shoemaker, h s side Oak bel Church 
Rowland Joseph G., h w side Swede opp Court House 
Royer William LL, laborer, h n side Roberts ab Willow 
Rover George W., foreman National Defender, h n side Airy 

ab Cherry 
Ruck stool Henry, laborer, h s side Lafayette bet DeKalb and 

Green 
Ruddach William A., furniture & Undertaker, 81 Egypt, hdo 
Rudy Samuel D., (Jacoby & Rudy) groceries and china ware 

h DeKalb bel Airy 
Ruddy Frederick, blacksmith, h c side Willow bel Spruce 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 167 

Rush John, Shoemaker, h 110 Egypt 

Rush Levi, Shoemaker, w side Willow ab Marshall 

Rushon James, Laborer, h n side Marshall, bel Green 

Rutty Theodore, (SncU & Rutty) stoves and heaters, 83 Egypt, 

h Penn bel Barbadoes 
Rynick Anna, widow John, h w side Green ab Washington 
Rynick Jacob. Vinegar, h Layfayette bel Strawberry alley 
Rynick John H. , laborer, h w side Green ab Washington 

s 

St. Clair Julia, widow James, h w side Swede bel Jacoby 

Saltzbury John, stone cutter, h n side Penn ab Green 

Sampson John, grocer, n side Egypt ab Arch 

Sames Alexander, shoemaker, w side DeKalb ab Lafayette h do 

Sanders George puddler, h 101 Egypt 

Sans Othiniel, victualer, h w side Barbadoes c Penn 

Saurman Thomas, foundry, s side Washington bel Mill, s side 

Washington ab M 11 
Saylor William, grocer, s side Oak c Willow, h w side Willow 

bel Oak 
Saylor Ann, h n side Egypt bel DeKalb 
Scanlan John, shoemaker, n side Egypt bel Mill, h do 
Scanlan Matthew, laborer, h e side JJeKalb ab Washington 
Scanlan Julia, widow John, h w side Green bet Washington 

and Lafayette 
Scanlan Samuel, restaurant, e side DeKalb c Lafayette, h do 
Scattergood Giles, carpet weaver and variety store, 249 Egypt, 

hdo 
Scattergood Joseph, shoemaker, h n side Egypt ab Ford 
Schall William, nail and iron works and furnace, Washington 

foot Markley, h s side Egypt ab Mill 
Schall Reebin T., clerk, h side Egypt ab Mill 
Schall Edward, teacher, h s side Egypt ab Mill 
Schall Edwin, publisher National Defender, h s side E^ypt ab 

Mil 
Schall David, coal, n side Lafayette cM 11, h s side Egypt bel 

Mill 
Schall Calvin J , clerk, h s side Egypt ab Mill 
Schall John, h w side DeKalb ab Penn 
Scheetz Samuel, s side Egypt ab Barbadoes, h w side Cherry 

bel Marshall 
Scheetz Jacob C, flour mill, stony creek c Noble and Logan, 

hdo 

Schiemeyer T., baker, h w side Swede ab Marshall 

Schlegel Jacob, harness, n side Sandy ab Walnut, h do 
Schneider Mary, widow Simon, dressmaker, Egypt ab Cherry 
Schnider Jacob Rev., h e side Cherry bel Marshall 



168 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Schock Andrew, carpenter, h w side Green ab Elm 
Schock Theodore, laborer, h n side Marshall c Green 
Schrack & Yeakle, (James W. Schrack and Abraham A. Yeakle) 

dry goods, n side Egypt c DeKalb 
Schrack James W., (Schrack & Yeakle) dry goods, n side Egypt 

c DeKalb, h s side Airy bet Swede and DeKalb 
Schrack Catharine, widow John, h Lafayette ab Cherry 
Schrack Joseph, h Lafayette ab Cherry 
Schrack David, nailer, h s side Penn bel Barbadocs 
Schrack William F. , miller, h Swede bel Basin 
Schrack Adam, victualer, h s side Chestnut bet "Willow and 

Church 
Schrater Lewis, ostler, h Chestnut bel Church 
Schultz Nathan, dry goods, w side DeKalb c Marshall, h do 
Schwartz Henry H. , carpenter, h w side Cherry bel Oak 
S3hwenk Abram, coach maker, n side Lafayette bel DeKalb, h 

e side Willow bel Spruce 
Scott Thomas, janitor, h n side Lafayette bet Ford and Frank- 
lin 
Scott John (col'd) laborer, h s side Elm ab Cherry 
Scott George, farmer, h w side Astor ab Wood 
Scott William M. , physician, h w side Astor ab Wood 
Seasholtz Josiah, laborer, h s side Penn c Barbadoes 
Seckel Jacob L., tailor, h n side Airy bel Swede 
Seckler Mary S., tailoress, h s side Chestnut bel Church 
Seel George, ostler, Rambo House, h do 
Selser Philip, laborer, h e side Cherry ab Penn 
Selah Charles H., laborer, h e side Green ab Elm 
Seller Godlip, gardener, h w side Arch c Basin 
Sellers John B., h 174 Egypt 
Seltzer & Co., (Christian A. and AgustusM. Seltzer and Horace 

Heilman) distillery, w side DeKalb bel Washington 
Siltzer Christian A., (Seltzer & Co.) distillery, w side DeKalb 

bel Washington, h at Philadelphia 
Seltzer AgusLus M., (Seltzer & Co.,) distillery, w side DeKalb 

bel Washington, h at Philadelphia 
Sennet Thomas B., weaver, h 13 White Row 
Sensindeffer Solomon, sawyer h Chain ab Pearl 
S3rver John, farmer, h 12 bel Marshall 
Shade John, shoemaker, n side Washington ab Mill, h n side 

Oak c Chei^ry 
Shade Israel, tobaconist, h n side Oak c Cherry 
Shafter George, bricklayer, h w side Powell bel Spruce 
Shaffer John, bricklayer, h n Marshall ab Chain 
Shaid Stephen, baker, n side Marshall bel Arch, h do 
Shamborugh Hannah, widow Philip, he side Cherry b:l Chest 

nut 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 169 

Shambough & Brother, (Albanus W. and Martin L.) grocers, 

w side DeKalb bel Airy 
Shambough Albmus W., (Shainbiugh & Brother) grooer, w 

side DeKalb bed Airy h e side Cherry bel Chestnut 
Shanely Elizabeth, servant, h Egypt bjl Markley 
Shaner Sarah, servant, h 110 Egypt 
Shannon James, laborer, h e side Washington ab Swede 
Shannon John, laborer, h n side Washington bel DeKalb 
Shannon George, Oil Mill, s side Lafayette c Ford h w side 

DeKalb bel Jacoby 
Shannon Michael, laborer, h w side Green bel Lafayette 
Shannon Sophia, widow John, h n side Egypt bel Arch 
Shannon Lizzie H., (Carlisle & Shannon,) milliners, 230 Egypt 

h w side Egypt bel Arch 
Shannon A. & R., (Ann & Rosa,) dry goods & trimmings 92 

Egypt 
Shannon Ann (A. & R. Shannon) dry goods, 92 Egypt h do 
Shannon Rosa (A. & R. Shannon) dry goods, 92 Egj^pt h do 
Shannon Elizabeth, widow Samuel, h 92 Egypt 
Shannon John, h Swede bel Marshall 
Shannon James, flour and feed, w side DeKalb c Lafayette, 

hdo 
Shantry William, puddler, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Sharp Philip, shoeiindings, Egypt ab DeKalb, h do 
Sharp Thomas, laborer, h s side Washington bet Franklin and 

Ford 
Shaw Lizzie, teacher, h n side Jacoby c Church 
Shaw Thomas, h w side Violet c Fornance 
Shaw Harvey, coal at Philadelphia, h w side DeKalb bel 

Jacoby 
Shearer & Hansell (L. D. Shearer and J. R. Hansell) painters, 

up stairs, 2024 Egypt 
Shearer Lorenzo D., (Shearer & Hansell) painters, 202^ Egypt, 

h e side Cherry bel Chestnut 
Sheck Jacob, laborer, n side Oak bel Cherry 
Sheedy James, laborer, h s side Lafayette bel Green 
Sheldrake John, h e side DeKalb ab Elm 
Shell Jeremiah, saddler, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Shelly Jacob, Carpenter, h w side DeKalb bel Lafayette 
Shelton Alfred E, h Montgomery Hotel 
Shephard John, h w side Swede c Oak 
Sheppard Charles, farmer, h s side Sandy ab Walnut 
Sherdin Mary, widow Michael, h Hickey ab Schuylkill 
Sherer Conrad H., clerk, h DeKalb ab Penn 
Sherid Benjamin, h n side Marshall bel Arch 
Sherid Stephen, bakery, n side Marshall bel Arch h do 
Sherman Daniel G., (Franklin, Derr & Co.) marble yard, Egypt 

opp Bank h c side Cherry c Penn 



170 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Sherry Felix, laborer, 12 White Row 

Shield George, shoemaker, h w side Cherry bet Airy and Mar- 
shall 
Shields Royer, laborer, h s side Lafayette bel Franklin 
Shieve Jacob, h e side Swede c Oak 
Shillich Margaret, weaver, h Lafaj^ette bel Swede 
Shinn Richard, engraver, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Shively T. & C, (Teonah & Catharine) dressmakers, n side 

Egypt bel Mill 
Shively Teonah (T. & C. Shively) dressmaker, n side Egypt bel 

Mill, h do 
Shively Catharine, (T. & C. Shively) dressmaker, n side Egypt 

bel Mill, h do 
Shneider S. M., professor of languages, h n side Chestnut ab 

Willow 
Shoemaker Harrison E., h w side Powell c Fornance 
Shoemaker Isaac J., clerk, h e side Elm ab Willow 
Shoemaker John, h s side Egypt bel Walnut 
Shoffher Amos, h s side Airy bel Arch 
Shofner Abraham, carpenter, h s side Moore bel Arch 
Shofner George W. , carpenter, h s side Moore bel Arch 
Shofner^ James, carpenter, h s side Moore bel Arch 
Shofner John, carpenter, h s side Moore bel Arch 
Short Margaret A., widow James, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Short Margaret A., carder, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Shoutt Samuel M., shoemaker, h w side Cherry bet Airy and 

Marshall 
Shovelin Owen, laborer, h s side Wood bel Arch 
Showalter Henry, engineer, h s side Penn c Walnut 
Shrack Charles W., milkman, h e side Cherry ab Airy 
Shuler Daniel, carpenter, h Marshall ab Astor 
Shultz John A., shoemaker, h 14Norris 
Shultz Hannah R., h e side Swede ab Chestnut 
Shultz Annie K. , widow Henry W. , h w side DeKalb bet Mar- 
shall and Chestnut 
Shuster Charles, cooper, h s side Lafayette bel Green 
Shuttleworth John W., core maker, h w side Barbadoes bel 

Marshall 
Shuttleworth John, spinner, h n side Ann c Barbadoes 
Shwank Abraham, coach maker, e side Willow bel Spruce 
Sill Martha, widow William, h w side Green bet Airy and 

Marshall 
Sill Wilmer, bakery, s side Egypt ab Green h w side Green 

bet Airy and Marshall 
Simmons Amy, (col'd) widow Evan h n side Basin bel Arch 
Simmons William, (col'd) laborer h s side James ab Stony 

Creek 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOW'X. 171 

Simpson Thomas C, clerk, h Farmers' and Mechanics' Hotel 
S in. 3:er Jacob, laborer, h Markel}^ bel Lafayette 
Siter Wendel, dealer, n side Penn ab Walnut, h do 
Skeen Abraham, laborer, hMarkely bel Lafaj^ette 
Skeen Joseph, clerk, h s side Oak b?l Green 
Slider Luther, heater, h Chain ab Egypt 
Slider Peter, heater, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Slemmer Adam, h w side Swede bel Oak 

Slemmer Henry D., physician, druggist and chemist, 180 Egypt, 
- h do 
Slingluft* & Lewis, (Charles SlinglufF & Charles Lewis) flour 

and feed, s side Egypt ab Walnut 
Slingluif Charles, (Slingluflf & Lewis) flour and feed, s side 

Egypt ab Walnut, h n side Jacoby c Willow 
Slingluff Mary, tailoress, h 232 Egj'pt 
Slingluff William H., cashier Bank Montgomery county, h De- 

Kalb c Oak 
Slinglufl" Josiah, dry goods and groceries, s side Egypt c Bar- 
badoes, h do 
S'ingluff John H., h w side Swede c Chestnut 
Sloop Samuel, shoemaker, n side Marshall ab Willow, h do 
S.nedley William, machinist, 4 Union Buildings s side Egypt 

bel DeKalb 
Smedley J. Kinzie, machinist, 4 Union Buildings s side Egy^)! 

bel DeKalb 
Smedley Benjamin F., laborer, h n side Roberts ab Willow 
Smedley Mifflin, laborer, h s side Spruce bel Stony Creek 
Smedley Isaiah F., farmer, h s side Spruce bel S:;ony Creek 
Smick Isaac, blacksmith, h s side Marshall bel Norris 
Smith Samuel S., harness, 245 Egypt, h 287 Egypt 
Smith Charles Y., cabinet maker, h n side Penn bet Cherry and 

Barbadoes 
Smith John Y., laborer, s side Ann bel Barbadoes 
Smith Mary, h s side Washington bel DeKalb 
Smith William, finisher, h s side Washington bet Ford and 

Franklin 
Smith James, freight agent, h n side Marshall bet Arch and 

Walnut 
Smith Matilda, (col'd) widow Henry, h e side Arch ab Oak 
Smith Charles, miller, h s side Elm ab Willow 
Smith Binjamin, salesman, h e side Clierry bet Airy and Mar- 
shall 
Smith Henry L, machinist, h e side Cherry bal Chestnut 
Smith Johnson, h w side Cherry bel Marshall 
Smith Jacob II , carpenter, s side Oak bal Cherry 
Smith James IL, (col'd) provisions, s side elm ab Cherrj^ h do 
Smith Robert, (col'd) carter, h s side Elm ab Cherry 



172 NORRISTOWN AND BEIDGEPORT. 

Smith James, (col'd) carter, h Spruce bel Stony Creek 

Smith George H. , painter, h w side Cherry bet Marshall and 

Airy 
Smith D. D., dentist, h w side DeKalb ab Lafayette 
Smj^ser Daniel M., president judge 7th judicial district, h 

Swede bet Airy and Marshall 
Snell & Rutty, (William T. Snell & Theodore Rutty) stoves and 

heaters, 83 Egypt 
Snell William T., (Snell & Rutty) stoves, 83 Egypt, h s side 

Penn bel Barbadoes 
Snider Elizabeth, weaver, h Lafayette ab Strawberry al 
Snider Rebecca, weaver, h Lafayette ab Strawberry al 
Snyder John C, grocer, coroner and bjigade inspector, s side 

Egypt bel Walnut, h s side Egypt ab Walnut 
Snyder Jane, h s side Oak bel Cherry 
Snyder Henry, operator, h s side Washington bet Mill and 

Green 
Snyder Benevill, coach maker, h n side Penn bel Arch 
Solly Benjamin F., shoes, 200 Egypt, h Lafayette ab Straw- 
berry al 
Solomon Hester, weaver, h Chain bel Airy 
Sower David, h Swede ab Marshall 
Sower Franklin D., bookseller and stationer, 220 Egypt, h w 

side Swede bel Marshall 
Sower John, shoemaker, h n siele Penn bet Cherry and Barba- 
does 
Sower Mary, widow Edwin , h n side Airy bel Arch 
Spade Christian, laborer, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Spang 0. S., artist, Swede c Airy, h Egypt ab Green 
Spang Hannah, milliner, Egypt ab Green, h do 
Spence James, Jr., gas fitter, h n side Chestnut c Cherry 
Spence John, puddler, h Lafayette bet Cherry and Barbadoes 
Spencer Jane, printer, h n side Cherry ab Airy 
Sperry George S., carpenter, h s side Oak bel Green 
Springer Rebecca, widow Daniel, h n side Penn ab Cheny 
Springfield John, woolen goods, s side Egypt ab Arch, h do 
Stagers Enos, victualer, stall 33 Market house, h n side Penn 

bet Walnut and Arch 
Stagner Jacob, gas works, h n side Lafayette bet Mill and 

Green 
Stahl David, laborer, h Swede ab Airy 
Stabler William, drugdst, 202 E^ypt, h 73 Egypt 
Stahley Jacob, Sr., h 144 Egypt " 
Stahley Jacob, Jr.^ cabinet maker and undertaker, 142 Egypt, 

hdo 
Stalker Frank, laborer, h Lafayette bel Markley 
Stapler John M., dry goods, 228 Egypt, h Swede ab Marshall 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN' ITS 

Stapler Joseph, dry goods, 6 Union Buildings s side Egypt bel 

DeKalb, h DeKalb ab Pemi 
Standenmayer George, victualer, h s side Moore bel High 
Stauffar John, sherifl' Montgomery county, h Swede bel Egypt 
Stebbins Charles L., provisions, Lafayette bel Swede, h do"^ 
Stein Daniel, jeweler, 204 Egypt, h Swede ab Marshall 
Steinmetz George, h e side Swede c Marshall 
Steinmetz Jacob, farmer, h e side Swede bel Plymouth rd 
Stem Sarah, widow Rev. Nathan, h n side Airy bel Swede 
Stephens Esther A., h e side Cherry ab Penn 
Stephens Jacob J , law student, h Cherry ab Airy 
Stephens James, victualer, h n side Ann bel Barbadoes 
Stephens J. R., clerk, h n side Penn ab Cherry 
Stephens & Read, (Abijah Stephens and Joseph C. Read) coal 

and wood, w side DeKalb c Washington. 
Stephens Abijah, (Stephens & Read) coal and wood, w side 

DeKalb c Washington, h DeKalb bel Marshall 
Stephens Horatio S., clerk, h e side Dekalb c Basin 
Stereigere Martha L , h e side Cherry c Chestnut 
Steward Catharine, h n side Jacoby ab Willow 
Stewart R. F., lawyer, Swede c Penn, h Airy ab Swede 
Stewart John, heater, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
Stewart Samuel, watchman, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Stewart Leslie, warper, h e side Washington ab Swede 
Stewart John, laborer, h e side Washington ab Swede 

Stewart (col'd) widow Hugh, h s side Spruce bel Green 

Stewart John, watchman, h s side Washington c Green 
Stewart William M., mason, h n side Lafayette bet Franklin 

and Ford 
Stiles Richard B., confectionery and bakery, 212 Egypt, h do 
Stiles Edward, confectioner, h 210 Egypt. 
Stillwagon Jesse H. , carpenter, h w side Barbadoes bel Ann 
Stinson Stephen P., (McKay & Stinson) dry goods and groce- 
ries, w side Egypt c DeKalb, h Swede ab Penn 
Stinson Charles H., lawyer, w side Swede c Penn, h Swede ab 

Airy 
Stinson John, h Swede bel Airy 
Stinson Mary H. , h Swede bel Airy 
Stinson Robert B, h Swede bel Airy 

Stinson Francis G., (Bolton, Christman & Co.) saw and plan- 
ing mill, Egypt ab Stoney Creek, h Swede bel Airy 
Stitler Isaac S., proprietor Farmers' and Mechanics' Hotel, 65 

Egypt 
Stout John, letter carrier, h n side Egypt opp Mill 
Stout Charles, laborer, h w side Oak bel Cherry 
Stout Frederick, machinist, h Lafayette ab Barbadoes 
Streaper Daniel P., machinist, h s side Marshall c Tremont 
avenue 



174 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Streper Jacob, h n side Chestnut c Willow 

Stritsinger Frederick, baker, h Washington ab DeKalb 

Stritsinger Louisa, h Washington ab DeKalb 

Stritsinger Philip, baker, h Washington ab DeKalb 

Stokes Isaac B., bricklayer, h w side DeKalb bel Jacoby 

Stroud William, photographer, 201 Egypt, h 199 Egypt 

Stroud Sarah, widow Thomas, h n side Airy bel Arch 

Styer William, blacksmith, h s side Elm ab Willow 

Sullivan Patrick, h n side Egypt bel Ford 

Sullivan Florence, hats and clothing, 170 Egypt, prothonotary, 

court house, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Sullivan William, carpenter, h n side Washington ab Green 
Summerlot Margaret, widow George, h Lafayette c Cherry 
Suplee Hannah, widow Peter, h e side Cherry ab Airy 
Supplee John, h 108 Egypt 
Supplee Jane, weaver, h Lafayette ab DeKalb. 
Sutch Martha, widow Benjamin, h e side Willow c Spruce 
Sutch Thomas B., trader, h e side Willow c Spruce 
Sutch John H., laborer, h e side Willow c Spruce 
Such Charles H., plasterer, h e side Willow c Spruce 
Sutch William, plasterer, h n side Basin bet Willow and 

Powell 
Sutton J, L., physician, e side Swede bel Chestnut 
Swallow Jonathan, spinner, h w side Green bet Egypt and 

Penn 
SwaU' James, weaver, h n side Washington bel Swede 
Swany Michael, laborer, h s side Layfayette bel Franklin 
Swardly Henry, laborer, 

Swartley Henry, laborer, h e side Airy bel Arch 
Swartley Hannah, widow John, dressmaker, h w side DeKalb 

ab Penn 
Swartley William, shoemaker, h e side Jacoby ab Cherry 
Swatzengrover Henry, lime burner, h s side Airy ab DeKalb 
Sweany Catharine, widow John, h e side Lafayette ab Ford 
Sweeny George, laborer, h s side Airy bel Barbadoes 
Sweeny John, laborer, h n side Ann bel Barbadoes 
Sweney Mary, h Lafayette c Cherry 
Swift Samuel, h n side Marshall c Violet 
Swindells James, shoemaker, h n side Lafaj^ette bel Mill 
Sykes George, brewer, h w side Markley ab Egypt. 

T 

Taggart Joseph, (Bowman, Taggart & Co.,) iron founder and 
machinist, Markley bet Lafayette and Washington, h Egypt 
bel Green 
Taggart William, h Egypt ab Haws avenue 
Talan James, laborer, h n side Lafayette bel Walnut 



DIRECTORY OP NORRISTOWN. 175 

Tainany Arthur, laborer, Swede bel Washington 

Tamney Peter, fireman, h Lafayette bel Mill 

Taney John S., laborer, h Markley bel Lafayette 

Taney Henry D., victualer, h e s Elm ab Willow 

Tarrance Charles, brakesman, h n side Penn ab Cherry 

Tasner Mary, h n side Egypt bel Arch 

Tatem Charles H., h Montgomery Hotel 

Taylor John, restaurant, w side DeKalb bel Egypt, h do 

Taylor Mary, milliner, w side DeKalb bel Egypt, h do 

Taylor William, (col'd) carter, h n side Penn ab Walnut 

Taylor WilHam, Jr., (col'd) brickmaker, h n side Penn ab 

Walnut 
Taylor Taylor, (col'd) coachman, h n side Penn ab Walnut 
Taylor Ptobert E., hatter, 234 Egypt, h do 
Taylor Catharine, widow John T., h Buttonwood bel Marshall 
Teany William S., clerk, h Swede c Washington 
Teany William, mason, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Teany John, farmer, h w side Swede ab Ellis 
Teany Joseph, laborer, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Teany Sabine, widow, Jacob, h s side Marshall bel DeKalb 
Templin Isaac M. , farmer, h n side Egypt bel Ford 
Templin John M., milkman, h n side Egypt bel Ford 
Templin Richard D., farmer, h n side Egypt bel Ford 
Terry Franklin L., Philadelphia and Norristown Express, Odd 

Fellows' Hall, h w side Mill ab Washington 
Thiem John, tailor, 102 Egypt, h Penna. Farmers' Hotel 
Thomas Jonathan, constable, h s side Egypt opp Arch 
Thomas Elijah, publisher at Philadelphia, h s side Egypt bel 

Walnut 
Thomas Olive, blacksmith, h n side Egypt bel Mill 
Thomas Edward, dry goods, 85 Egypt^ h do 
Thomas John, dealer, h Egypt ab Cherry 
Thomas Samuel, surveyor and conveyancer, 205 Egypt, h e side 

Swede bet Marshall and Chestnut 
Thomas Margaret, widow Joseph, h Swede bel Marshall 
Thomas Jesse P., teacher, h Buttonwood bel Marshall 
Thomas Sarah, widow William, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Thomas T. J. Rev., h n side Airy bet Swede and Cherry 
Thomas Jeanette, h s side Washington ab Mill 
Thomas Lydia, widow William, h e side Violet c Basin 
Thomas Oliver, laborer, h e side Violet c Basin 
Thomas Rees D., carpenter, h e side Violet c Basin 
Thomas Ehzabeth, seamstress, h e side Violet c Basin 
Thomas Zadoc, h n side Chestnut bet Church and Willow 
Thomas William, agent, h s side Egypt c Cherry 
Thompson Spencer, dry goods, 2 Union Buildings, s side Egypt 

bel DeKalb, h Egypt ab DeKalb 



176 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Thompson Amos P., bartender, h Egypt c Markley 
Thompson Elizabeth, widow Benjamin, h Lafayette ab Cherry- 
Thompson Charles J. Rev., h e side Swede c Middle alley bel 

Egypt 
Thompson Charles A., painter, h n side Penn bel Swede 
Thompson Francis H., moulder, n side Marshall c Mill 
Thompson John Rev. , h Marshall n DeKalb 
Thompson Archibald D., court crier, h w side Willow ab Mar- 
shall 
Thompson Anna M., widow William, h w side Willow ab Mar- 
shall 
Thompson James P. , nailor h w side Willow ab Marshall 
Thompson Benjamin, laborer, h w side Willow ab Marshall 
Thompson James B., carpenter, h e side Cherry bel Chestnut 
Thomson Mark, printer, h s side Egypt bel Swede 
Thorne Joseph, physician, s side Egypt bel Green, h at Norri- 

tonville 
Tice Adam, baker, 68 Egypt, h do 
Tippan William, laborer, h e side Walnut ab Egypt 
Tippin Ann, widow Archibald, h Egypt ab Ford 
Tippin Alexander, limeburner, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Titlon Sarah S., widow Reuben C, cabinet ware rooms, n side 

Egypt ab Green, h do 
Todd William, (col'd) ostler, h n side Airy bc4 Arch 
Tolbot Margaret, widow William, 3 White Row 
Thomlinson Wells, drover, h w side Cherry bel Chestnut 
Tomony Margaret, widow John, 4 White Row 
Torry James, laborer, h Washington ab DeKalb 
Toy Elizabeth G., dressmaker and tailoress, h n side Egypt ab 

Walnut 
Tramer Lewis S., clothing, 232 Egypt, h do 
Travis James, spinner, h Hickey ab Schuylkill 
Travis John, carder, h Hickey ab Schuylkill 
Travis Thomas, spinner, h Hickey ab Schuylkill 
Travis William, piecer, h Hickey ab Schuylkill 
Troy Lawrence, laborer, h Egypt bel Ford 
Tustin John L., clerk, h e side Cherry bel Airy 
Tusting Robert, jeweler, h n side Jacoby ab Willow 
Tyson Maris, miller, 59 Egypt 

Tyson Elizabeth, weaver, h n side Ann bel Barbadocs 
Tyson Joseph, carpenter, h n side Marshall bet Arch and Wal- 
nut 
Tyson Samuel, farmer, h e side Arch bel Jacoby 
Tyson Amos, carter, h e side church bel Marshall 
Tyson Samuel, shoemaker, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Tyson Joseph, shoemaker, h 9 Norris bel Marshall 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 177 

u 

Utbcle Catharine, widow Michael, h n side Pcnn ab Cherry 
Undercoffer John, laborer, h Markley bel Lafayette 
Umstead Elizabeth, widow Jesse, h Markley bel Egypt 
Um stead Jesse, shoemaker, h Markley bel Egypt 
Updigrove Abraham, laborer, h Lafayette ab Barbadocs 



Vancourt B. Franklin, surveyor and conveyancer, s side Egypt 

ab Green, h Veranda Hotel 
Van Fossen Hiram, brickmaker, h w side Swede bel Wood 
Van Fossen Jesse, h w side Willow ab Marshall 
Vanhorne Thomas, laborer, h s side Marshall ab Walnut. 
Vanleer George, (col'd) laborer, h s side Green ab Penn 
Vanwinkle John, laborer, h w side Cherry bet Marshall and 

Airy 
Vanwinkle Isaac, shoemaker, h Egypt bel Haws av 
Vaughan David, laborer, h n side Jacoby bel High 
Vaughn William, painter, n side Egypt ab Arch, h New Hope 

ab Basin 
Vassman Motsel, puddler 6 Lafayette av 
Vogel George, laborer, h s side Penn ab Walnut 
Vonderaw Francis, tailor, n side Airy ab Swede, h Norris bel 

Marshall 

w 

Wack Charles Rev., h DeKalb ab Wood 

Wack Garrett C, h e side Swede bet Oak and Jacoby 

Wager Jacob, h Veranda Hotel 

Wagner Peter, laborer, h Barbadoes bel Egypt 

Wam Wright Eleanor F., widow Peter, teacher, h n side Penn 
ab Cherry 

Wamwright Hannah M., teacher, h n side Penn ab Cherry 

Walder Casper, heater, h Swede bel Washington 

Walker Lewis (Jones & Walker) soap, s side Egypt c Ford, h 
s side Egypt ab Ford 

Walker Frances, widow Francis, h s side Penn bet Arch and 
Green 

Walker Samuel, shoemaker, h Chain bet Egypt and Marshall 

Walker Frances, Swede bel Lafayette 

Walker Charles, laborer. Pearl bel Egypt 

Walker Samuel, shoemaker, h n side Penn bel Barbadoes 

Walker Mary, widow Charles, h n side Penn bel Barbadoes 

Walker Henry, shoemaker, h n side Airy bel Maple, h s side 
Airy ab Cherry 

Walker Charles, shoemaker, h n side Ann bet Cherry and Bar- 
badoes 



178 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Walker Benjamin, shoemaker, n side Ann bet Cherry and 

Barbadoes 
Walker Henry, bricklayer, h s side Airy bel Barbadoes 
Walker Eleanor, widow William, h n side Ann ab Cherry 
Walker Charles, laborer, h e side Barbadoes bel Ann 
Walker Rebecca, weaver, h w side Buttonwood bel Jackson 
Walker Samuel C, printer, h s side Penn bet Arch and Green 
Walnut Jerome, cabinet maker, Egypt opp Mill h s side Egypt 

bel Franklin 
Walsh James, carter, h e side Smith ab Oak 
Walsh John, laborer, e side Smith ab Oak 
Walters Daniel, laborer, h s side Washington bel Franklin 
Walton Seth, h s side Elm c Willow al 
Ward Robert K., restaurant, 192 Egypt h do 
Warner Frederick, nailer, h w side Cherry ab Egypt 
Washington George, (col'd) laborer, h w side Willow ab Rob- 
erts 
Watson Jane, widow William, h n side Chestnut ab Willow 
Weand Henry K., law student, h w side DeKalb ab Penn 
Weand Jonas, stage driver, h e side Cherry bel Marshall 
Weber Devault, miller, h Swede c Marshall 
Weber Franklin, teacher,h e side Swede bet Brown and Roberts 
Weber Andrew J., farmer, h w side Swede ab Freedley 
Webster William, soap, h Egypt ab Ford 
Wedlar William, grocer, Egypt ab Arch, h Egypt bel Mill 
Weeber John, laborer, h Egypt ab Barbadoes 
Weebsr Philip, shoemaker, h Egypt ab Barbadoes 
Weeber Jacob F., carpenter, h e side Swede c Oak 
Weeber Kate M., tailoress, h eside Swede c Oak 
Weeber Margaretta M. , dressmaker h e side Swede c Oak 
Wells William, hair dresser and perfumer, 206 Egypt, h do 
Wells Lewis S., lawyer, n side Airy bel Swede, h w side Swede 

ab Marshall 
Wells Mary, (col'd) h e side Cherry bel Airy 
Welsh John, machinist, h n side Penn bel Arch 
Welsh Michael, helper, h Hickey ab Schuylkill 
Welsh Zebulon, h e side Willow bel Spruce 
Wentz Thomas H., saw and sash mill, Egypt bel Stony Creek, 

h w side Swede c Oak 
Wertsner George, h w side DeKalb bel Jacoby 
West George, boatman, s side Egp3rt bel Franklin 
West John, shoemaker, h s side Penn ab Arch 
West John, stone cutter, h Washington Hotel 
West John, engineer, h w side Swede ab Chestnut 
West James, laborer, h s side Chestnut bel Church 
Wetzel Albert, clothing, 236 Egypt, h n side Egypt ab Wash- 
ington 



DIRECTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 179 

Wetzen Mary Jane, tailorcss, h 232 Egypt 

Whelan John C, chain maker, n side Egypt c Arch, h Egypt 

bel Walnut 
White Charles, contractor, h n side Chestnut bel Green 
White William, superintendent, h Egypt ab Walnut 
White Eliza, teacher, h 4 Union Buildings s side Egypt bel De- 

Kalb 
White Duncan, book binder at Philadelphia, h e side Oak c 

Chestnut 
White John, shoemaker, h s side Penn ab Arch 
White William, plasterer, he side Church ab Airy 
White Charles, coal, n side Marshall c Church ; feed, s side 

Marshall bel Church, h w side Swede bel Oak 
White James, h e side Willow c Elm 

White Mary, widow Thomas, hn side Lafayette bel Franklin 
Whitehead Thomas, weaver, h w side Buttonwood ab Jackson 
Whitehead Abraham, spinner, h w side Buttonwood ab Jack- 
son 
Whitehead John, carder, h w side Buttonwood ab Jackson 
Whitman Charles, laborer, h Lafayette ab Markley 
Whitman Daniel h Astor bel Marshall 

Whitney Ann, widow Thomas J., millinery, 150 Egypt, h do 
Whitney Margaret, milliner, h 150 Egypt 
Widger Mark, laborer, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Widmager Charles, baker, h 68 Egypt 
Widemoj^er Jacob, mason, h w side Cherry bel Oak 
Widroder Frederick, laborer, h e side Cherry bet Chestnut 

and Oak 
Wigner Joseph, victualer, h s side Marshall ab Tremont avenue 
Wilds Charles, spinner, h n side Buttonwood bel Egypt 
Wiley James, warper, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Wilkins Benjamin, carpenter, h s side Penn ab TV alnut 
Wilkinson John (col'd) laborer h e side Green bet Elm and 

Spruce 
Williams William, farmer, s side Egypt opp Mill 
Williams William, (col'd) laborer h s side Elm ab Cherry 
Williams John H., printer, h Egypt opp Arch 
Williams Catharine, widow David, h Egypt ab Ford 
Williams Mills, nailer, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Williams John G., speculator, s side Sandy bel Walnut 
Williamson John K., feeder, h Schuylkill ab Barbadoes 
Willmott William, locksmith, h n side Washington ab Green 
Wills Morgan R., bookseller and stationer, 196 Egypt, h 

Rambo House 
Wills William C, shoemaker, h n side Lafayette bel Mill 
Wills John A., shoemaker, h w side Cherry bet Airy and 

Marshall 



180 NORRISTOWX AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Wilson William W., miller, h n side Egypt bel Arch 
Wilson Lloyd, (col'd) laborer, h n side Penn ab Walnut 
Wilson Winfield S., secretary and treasurer P. N. G. R. Ft. Co., 

h e side DeKalb bel Airy 
Wilson Pdchard, h s side Marshall bel DeKalb 
Wilson Eliza, widow Robert, h n side Oak c Church 
Wilson James, (cord) laborer, h e side Cherry ab Oak 
Wilson Jabcz, farmer, h w side Swede ab Freedley 
Winchester Virginia A. F., widow Rev. Thomas W., h n side 

Jacoby bel Church. 
Winnemore Joanna, dressmaker, h Lafayette bel Strawberry 

alley. 
Winter Samuel, (col'd) trader, h w side Powell c Spruce. 
Winter Matthias, coachtrimmer, h w side Cherry bel Oak 
Wisler John H., carpenter, h s side Chestnut ab Willow 
Wisner Charles L., nailer, h s side Marshall, bel Xorris 
Wolf George D. Rev., teacher, h Airy bil Swede 
Wolf Joseph, carpenter, h Egypt bel Haws avenue 
Wolf John, helper, h w side Washington ab Swede 
Wolf Joseph C, carpenter, h s side Egypt 
Wolford Jonas, carpenter, h s side Oak bet Willow and Chcs!:- 

nut 

Wood widow James, h w side DeKalb bel spruce 

AVood James, laborer, h s side Penn bel Walnut 

Wood Zilphia, widow John, seamstress, h s side Marshall ab 

Arch 
Woodman Mary, h Chestnut ab DeKalb 
Woodman William T., h Chestnut ab DeKalb 
Woodman Ruth, h Chestnut ab DeKalb 
Woodman William T., teacher languages, h n side Chestnut 

bet Willow and Church 
Wonstlcr Jonas, carpenter, h Lafayette ab Strawberry alley 
Workiser George, carpenter, h Swede bel Egypt 
Worsley Thomas, beamer, h Swede bel Washington 
Wright & Brother, (Morgan and Comly Wright) dry good and 

carpetings, 218 Egypt, h e side DeKalb c Penn 
Wright Comly, (Wright & Brother) dry goods and carpetings, 

218 Egypt, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Wright George, shoes, 110 Egypt, h do 
Wright Thomas S., cutter, h Lafayette ab Cherry 
Wright William G., blacksmith, h n side Oak ab Church 
Wright Charlotte, widow Morgan, h w side Cherry ab Airy 
Wyckofl' Christopher, superintendent distillery, w side DeKalb 

c Washington, h Cherry ab Airy 

Y 

Yates William, dvcr, h s side Airy ab AYalnut 



DIRECTORY OP N0RRIST0W2?. 181 

Yeager Andrew B., carter, h s side Chestnut bcl Church 

Yeager Jesse, h 221 Egypt 

Yeakle Abraham A., (Schrack & Yeakle) dry goods, n side 

Egypt c DeKalb, h Montgomery Hotel 
Yeakle Samuel, h e side DeKalb c Oak 
Yeager Thomas, bricklayer, h s side Marshall c Norris 
Yerkes William H., lawyer, 199 Egypt, h Montgomery Hotel 
Yerkes Mary, weaver, h Lafayette ab Strawberry alley 
Yocom William S-, leather findings, n side Egypt ab Walnut, 

hdo 
Yost Peter, police, h Lafayette ab DeKalb 
Yost Peter, carter, h w side Swede bet Chestnut and Oak 
Yost Sarah, washing, 227 Egypt 
Yost Charles, painter, h Washington Hotel 
Yost Daniel M., clerk, h R. R. Hotel 

Young Jacob, shoemaker, h Lafayette ab Strawberry alley 
Young Elizabeth, widow Charles, h s side Penn ab Cherry 
Young Catharine, servant, h Farmers' and Mechanics' Hotel 
Young John, carpenter, h Airy ab Cherry 
Young Benjamin, billiards, n side Lafayette ab DeKalb 
Young John, carpenter, h s side Airy ab Cherry 
Young Joseph, trader, h w side Powell bel Spruce 
Yungman Benjamin, carpenter 

Yungman Benedict, carpenter, h s side Oak bel Cherry 
Yungman Benedict, grocer, 104 Egypt, h do 

z 

Zeigler Jeremiah, laborer, h Lafayette c Franklin avenue 

Zilling Michael, h e side Swede bel Chestnut 

Zimmerman Jacob, carter, h 10 Norris bel Marshall 

Zimmerman John, farmer, h e side Arch ab Jacoby 

Zimmerman Elizabeth, h w side DeKalb ab Wood 

Zimmerman Ann, h w side DeKalb ab Wood 

Zimmerman Mary A. , widow David, millinery, 108 Egypt, 

h do 
Zimmerman Hannah, widow Abraham, h n side Egypt bet 

Arch and Walnut 
Zimmerman William, agent Howard's express, h Egypt ab 

Walnut 
Zinnell Adam, bar tender, h Egypt bel Barbadoes 
Zinnel George, restaurant, 168 Egypt, h s side Egypt ab Bar- 
badoes 
Zoller Charles, wheelwright, h Egypt ab Chain 



BRIDGEPORT. 



ABBREVIATIONS. 
R R. railroad ; R R R Reading railroad ; C V R R Chester 
Valley railroad ; bel below ; ab above ; bet between ; c corner ; 
col'd colored ; av avenue ; n near ; opp opposite ; n side 
north side ; s side south side ; e side east side ; w side west 
side. 



Altemus William, R R station, h e side Front bel DeKalb 
Amies Mary H., widow William, h s side DeKalb ab Third 
Anconia Edward P., telegraph operator, h R. R. House 
Anderson Richard, laborer, h e side Seventh ab Mill 
Anderson Rachael D., widow William, h w side Second bel 

Green 
Anderson Wellamina M., teacher, h s side Second bel Green 
Andrews Joel W., brick yard, s side R R R bet Mill and Green, 

h Montgomery Hotel at Norristown 
Answorth Elizabeth, widow Jonathan, h e side Green ab Fraley 
Armbruster Mary M., servant, h e side R R R ab Depot 
Austerberry Joseph, roll coverer, h e side Front ab Depot 

B 

Beatty Christopher, R. R. station, h w side Second ab Mill 
Beaver Samuel, Jr., mill and lumber, n side Second ab DeKalb, 

h at Norristown 
Bell Elizabeth G., servant, h n side DeKalb bet Second and 

Canal 
Benkleman John, carpenter, h w side Fifth bet Merrion and 

Canal 
Benncr William, harness maker, h s side DeKalb bel Second 
Benson William, saddler, h e side Eighth bet Green and Mill 
Benson Jane, widow, h e side Eighth bet Green and Mill 
Bethune Joseph, weaver, h e side Grove ab Fralcy 
Bickcl Ephriam B., pest master, h n side DeKalb bel Second 
Bliikcly Mary, widow Henry, h e side Rambo bel ^Mill 



DIRECTORY OF BRIDGEPORT 183 

Blakely James, superintendent, h e side Rarabo bcl Mill 
Bocot Xavicr, bonnet maker, h Rambo bel Mill 
Bowman Jane, servant, h s side DeKalb c Second 
Bowman Philip, cabinet maker, h Fifth ab Merrion 
Bradley James, spinner, h e side Grove ab Frale^^ 
Brierly Joseph, spinner, h w side Depot c R R R 
Brierly John, laborer, h s side R R R bet Vine and Lock 
Bright Eliza 0., widow Charles, dressmaker, h n side DeKalb 

ab Front 
Brook Hannah, h n side DeKalb ab Tenth 
Broughton John, h n side Front ab Depot 
Brower Adeline, dressmaker, h w side Fourth c Green 
Brown Andrew (col'd,^ barber, s side Second ab DeKalb, h e 

side Swede ab Third 
Burley Robert, machinist, h e side Front ab Depot 
Burns Ann, widow James, h n side DeKalb near Canal 
Burns William, boatman, h n side DeKalb near Canal 
Bush James, restaurant. Ford av c Front, h do 
Bush John P., clerk, h e side Ford av c Front 
Buzby Jane, widow John, h e side Eighth bet Green and Mill 
Buzby John B., conveyancer, h e side Front ab DeKalb 



Cainen Anna, servant, h n side DeKalb ab Eighth 
Cairns Sarah, widow, h s side Ford av bel Rambo 
Cliff George, shearer, h e side Grove ab Fraley 
Clinton Peter, laborer, h n side DeKalb ab Eighth 
Coates Martha, widow John, h w side Fourth c Green 
Coates John, limeburner, h w side Fourth c Green 
Cochran William, weaver, h e side Prospect bel Holstein 
Colgan Robert, boatman, h n side Ford av bel Rambo 
Corman Charles L., R. R. agent at Conshohocken, h s side R R 

R ab Vine 
Cotton Rebecca, h w side Third ab Mill 
Coyle Mary, weaver, h w side R R R ab Lock 
Coyle Thomas, laborer, h e side Depot ab Fourth 
Cutler James, engineer, h w side Front ab Depot 
Cutler Mary, widow William, h w side Front ab Depot 

D 

Dalby Matthias, laborer, h e side Second bel Green 
Danehower Henry, bakery, s side DeKalb c Front, h do 
Dehaven Mordecai, grocer, n side DeKalb bel R R R, h do 
Demstead Elizabeth, weaver, h w side R R R bet Vine and 

Lock 
Dewees Louisa, widow George, h West Borough line ab DeKalb 
Dickenson Isaac, brickmaker, h w side Fifth ab Merrion 



1 84 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Donalson James, laborer, h e side Front c Depot 

Dotsoii Emily, h s side DeKalb ab Seventh 

Doyle Patrick, restaurant, n side DeKalb n canal bridge, h do 

Dugan Mary, weaver, h s side Egypt ab Front 

Dugan Nancy, weaver, h s side Depot ab Fourth 

E 

Edmonds John, telegraph operator, h n side DeKalb ab Seventh 

Enderly Joseph, ostler, h Evans House 

Entz Conrad, mason, h s side DeKalb ab Tenth 

Evans Cadwalader, h s side DeKalb c Second 

Eve Catharine, h s side DeKalb ab Sixth 

F 

Farrell John, laborer, h e side Third bel Green 
Fortune Mary, widow Thomas, h s side Mill ab Second 
Freyfogle John, lime burner, h e side Second bel Green 
Freyfogle Jacob, lime dealer, h e side second bel Green 
Furlong Irwin, watchman, h e side Front ab Depot 

G 

Gabe Phillip M., carpenter, h n side DeKalb ab Tenth 
Gabe William, shoemaker, h n side DeKalb ab Tenth 
Gamble Mary R., h s side DeKalb ab Front 
Gaunt Joshua, spinner, h w side Fourth bel Depot 
Gebhart John, restaurant, s side DeKalb ab Front h do 
Geigcr Henry, shoemaker, h w side Front bel Green 
Glenn James, laborer, h e side Second bel Green 
Glenn Lewis, shoemaker, h w side Third bel Green 
Glysson Marshall S., laborer, h w side Seventh c Mill 
Greaves Joseph, beamer, h n side Depot c R R R 
Greenwood Webster, spinner, h s side R R R c Lock 
Griffith Jonathan, carter, h n side DeKalb bel Seventh 

H 

Hague John, laborer, h w side R R R bel Mill 

Hallman Hiram C, plasterer, h e side Fifth ab Ford avenue 

Hallman Jacob L., smithery, n side DeKalb bel Third, h w side 

Third bel Green 
Hampton Samuel, carpenter, h w side Second bel Mill 
Hansell Charles, laborer, h n side DeKalb ab Tenth 
Hansell William, blacksmith, h n side DeKalb bel Seventh 
Hansell George Y., paper hanger and wall paper at Norristown, 

h n side DeKalb bel Seventh 
Hansell Anna M., milliner at Norristown, h n side DeKalb bel 

Seventh 
Hardman Joseph, clerk, h w side Fourth ab Ford avenue 
Harris Thomas, laborer, h Mill 



DIRECTORY OF BRIDGEPORT. 185 

Harriscn John, beamer, h e side R R R ab Depot 

Harrison Joseph, dyer, h e side Fourth ab Ford avenue 

Harrison Joseph, damper, h w side R R R bel Mill 

Hart Samuel H., clerk, h e side Third c Mill 

Heap Joshua B. , carder, h e side Second ab Depot 

Heebner Christopher, mill, s side DeKalb bet Canal aud Schuyl 

kill, h at Norristown 
Hendron Rebecca, widow James, h w side R R c Mill 
Hendron John, blacksmith, h w side Third ab Mill 
Hess Charles, yictualar, h w side Front bel Green 
Hess Maria, h e side Third ab Mill 
Hess George, R. R. station, e side Third c Green 
Hilton John, weaver, h e side Fourth ab Ford 
Hilton Margaret, widow John, h e side Second ab Depot 
Hollingsworth William, spinner, h e side Grove abFralc}'- 
Holstein George W., physician, h s side DeKalb b^l R R R 
Holt Robert, engineer, h w side Depot c R R R 
Hughes Benjamin B., h n side DeKalb ab Seventh 
Hughes Nathan R., h n side DeKalb ab Seventh 
Hunter Perry M. , manufacturer, h n side DeKalb c Seventh 
Hunter David, laborer, h w side Grove bel Rambo 
Hurst Jacob M., collector, h w side Front ab Mill 
Hurst Henry, h w side Front ab Mill 
Hurst Catharine, h w side Front ab Mill 
Hustler James, weaver, h e side Fourth ab Ford avenue 

J 

Jackson John, weaver, h e side Grove ab Fraley 
Jacobs Charles, victualer, h w side Front bel Green 
Johnson Joseph, carpenter, h e side Front bel DeKaib 
Jones Hannah, h w side Third ab Mill 

K 

Kay Roger, weaver, h w side R R R bet Vine and Lock 
Keiger & Brother, (George W. and William) dry goods and 

groceries, s side DeKalb c Second 
Keiger George W., (Keiger & Brother) dry goods, s side De- 
Kalb c Second, h s side DeKalb bel Second 
Keiger William (Keiger & Brother) dry goods, s side DeKalb 

c Second, h n side DeKalb c Fifth 
Keiger Colbert, clerk, h s side DeKalb bel Second 
Keiger John A., wheelwright, h w side Fifth c Merrion 
Keiger Eliza, widow Andrew, h R R Hotel 
Kelly Edward, laborer, h w side Seventh bel Mill 
Kelly Ellen, widow Lawrence, h w side Seventh bel Mill 
Kennedy Luther, shoemaker, h w side Second bel Green 
Kensula Andrew, laborer, h e side Prospect bel Holstein 
Kensula Patrick, laborer, h e side Prospect bel Holstein 
Kersay Phebe, widow Joshua, h n side DeKalb ab Fourth 



186 NOERISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 



Lamsback John W., lock tender, h at Guard Lock 

Lane Rebecca R., h n side DeKalb bel Sixth 

Lane Magdtlen, widow Edward, h n side DeKalb bel Sixth 

Larkins Bartholomew, dyer, h w side R R R ablLock 

Laver Nathaniel, miller, h s side DeKalb ab Ford 

Lawless James, h e side Front ab Mill 

Lee David, weaver, h e side Grove ab Fraley 

Lee James, laborer, h s side DeKalb c Ninth 

Lee Michael, laborer, h n side DeKalb ab Seventh 

Lip Lewis, baker, h s side DeKalb c Front 

Loughrey Mary, cook, h Evans House 

Kyle Francis, proprietor Evans House, n side DeKalb c Second 

Lyle Walter W., collector, h Evans House 

Lyle Charles, gate Keeper, h n side DeKalb at toll gate 

M 

McCarter Eli G., magistrate, s side Front bel DeKalb, h n side 

Front bet Green and Mill 
McCoy Robert, boatman, h n side Ford av above Rambo 
McDonald William, laborer, h w side Grove bel Rambo 
McGill Arthur, laborer, h s side Ninth bel Ford av 
McGill Hugh, laborer, h n side Grove c Fourth 
McGowen George, dyer, h w side R R R ab Lock 
McMullen James, boatman, h n side Ford av bel Rambo 
McNulty Edward, merchant, h n side Eighth bet Green and 

Mill 
McQuade John, blacksmith, h n side R R R bel Mill 
McQuade James, laborer, h n side Front ab Mill 
Magee Edward, h s side Second bel Mill 
Mairs William, boatman, hn side Front bet DeKalb and Mill 
Makins Sylvester, brickmaker, h s side Third bel Green 
Makins John, painter, h n side R R R bel Mill 
Makins Charles, laborer, h s side Third bel Green 
Metzgar Philip, carpenter, h s side Second bel Mill 
Miles Wilson, lock tender at the outlet locks, h do 
Miller Andrew, laborer, h n side Third bel Green 
Miller Rebecca F., widow Isaac, h s side DeKalb c Ninth 
Mitchell James S., miller 

Mitten James, laborer, h n side DeKalb north Canal bridge 
Moon John, warper, h s side Fifth above Merrion 
Mulvany Francis, burgess, h n side R R R ab Depot 
Murray Charles, R R station, h s side Front bet Mill and Depot 
Myers Wilhelmina, widow Hance, h junction C V and R R R 

N 

Newberry & Brother (Henry E, and Israel D.,) flour and feed 
w side Fourth c Depot 



DIRECTORY OF BRIDGEPORT. 187 

Ncwberiy Henry E., (Newberry & Brother,) flour and feed, s 
side Fourth c Depot, h s side Fifth ab Ford av 

Newberr}^ Israel D., (Newberry & Brother,) flour and feed, s 
side Fourth c Depot, h s side Fifth ab Ford av 

Nicholson Charles, boatman, h s side R K, R bel Mill 



O'Brien Peter, spinner, h n side Third bcl Green 

Ogden John, cotton Factory, n side Front bel Depot, h s side 

Front bel Green 
O'Neil John, laborer, n side Front ab Mill 
'Toole Catharine, h Evans House 

P 

Parker Hiram, wheelwright, h R. R. House 
Patterson George S., coal, h s side Second ab Mill 
Pawling Nathan, machinist, s side Third ab Mill 
Pechin George, lime dealer, h n side DeKalb c Fourth 
Pechin Margaretta, h n side DeKalb c Fourth 
Pechin Mary E., h n side DeKalb c Fourth 
Percival Thomas, dyer, s side R R R ab Depot 
Pickup Charles, warper, h e side Rambo bel Mill 
Pickup George, weaver, h e side Rambo bel Mill 
Picstone George, s side R R R bet Vine and Lock 
Piatt James, spinner, h e side Grove ab Fraky 
Potts Ezekiel, machinist, h n side DeKalb bcl R R R 
Price John, laborer, h Swede west borough line 

R 

Rambo R. Roberts, (Rambo & Major) dry goods at Norristown, 

h n side DeKalb opp Front 
Rambo Susan, widow Ivans, h w side DeKalb ab Fourth 
Rambo Mark, h s side Front bel Mill 
Rambo Rachel, widow Jonathan, h s side Front bel Mill 
Rambo Catharine, h s side Front bel Mill 
Rambo Andrew, mason, h s side R R R bel Vine 
Rambo William, mason, h s side R R R bel Vine 
Ramsay Isaac, carpenter, s side Third btl Green 
Ramsay Jesse W., lime dealer, h s side Second ab Mill 
Ramsey Charles, clerk, h s side Second ab Mill 
Rapp John, bar tender, h Railroad Hotel 
Raysor Owen, carpenter, h s side DeKalb c Third 
Reddington William, engineer, h s side R R ab Depot 
Redford George, spinner, h s side Depot bel Fourth 
Richards John, carpenter, h s side Fourth c Merrion 
Richardson Elizabeth, h s side Second ab Mill 
Righter Jacob, laborer, h w side Seventh ab Mill 
Ritter John, laborer, h n side DeKalb bel Sixth 



188 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Roach Michael, watchman, h Swede north borough line 

Roach William, laborer, h Swede north borough line 

Roach John, laborer, h Swede north borough line 

Roach Margaret, widow Luce, h Swede north borough line 

Roberts Sarah, h n side DeKalb bel Sixth 

Rowan John, restaurant, s side Second ab Mill, h w side Third 

Rumley George, blacksmith, h n side Third ab Mill 

Russell Joseph, laborer, h n side Fifth bcl Mill 

Rutter John P., clerk, h Evans House 

Ry lands Thomas, watchman, h e side Grove bel Fraley 

s 

Shainline Jacob, carter, h s side Fourth c Green 

Shainlin George W., farmer, h Swede n borough line 

Sharp Robert, boatman, h n side Front ab Depot 

Sharplcss Thompson, machinist, hn side Seventh bel Mill 

Shaw Joseph, manager, n side Fourth ab Lock 

Simmons Louisa, h n side DeKalb ab Ninth 

Skein Joseph R., blacksmith, h s side DeKalb ab Front 

Skelly Thomas, laborer, h e side Hurst bel Holstein 

Smith Henry, laborer, h s side Ford av ab Eighth 

Smith John, laborer, h s side R R R ab Depot 

Smith George, foreman, h s side DeKalb ab Third 

Smith Jesse miller, h s side Front bel Green 

Smithhurst Violet, weaver, h e side Grove ab Fraley 

Stamp Patrick, laborer, h n side DeKalb n Canal Bridge 

Stillwagon George W., carpenter, h n side Third bel Green 

Stritz ell Benjamin, laborer, hn side DeKalb n Canal Bridge 

Stump Christopher, carpenter, h s side Second bel Green 

Supplee Jonathan R., bricklayer, hn side Fifth ab Ford av 

Supplee Abiier, blacksmith, h n side DeKalb ab Ninth 

Swan WiUiam, moulder,w side Depot cRambo, h s side Rambo 

bel Mill 
Sweney James, laborer, h n side DeKalb ab Tenth 

T 

Taylor Martha, widow Joseph, h e side Grove ab Fraley 

Taylor Alfred, carder, h e side Grove ab Fraley 

Taylor John, coachmaker, s side Fourth bel Green h s side R 

R R c Mill 
Thurlo Paul & Son, woolen mill, n side Fourth ab Lock, h at 

Philadelphia 
Tippin Samuel, lime burner, h s side Front bcl Mill 
Trainer John, laborer, h s side Front bel Green 
Turner Thomas, weaver, he side R R R ab Lock 

u 

Updigrove Jesse, wheelwright, n side Rambo bcl Mill 



DIRECTORY OF BRIDGEPORT. 189 

w 

Walkenshaw William, conductor C V R R, h Evans House 
Walter Christian laborer, h n side DeKalb ab Sixth 
Ward Joshua, blacksmith, h s side Green c Seventh 
Watson Andrew, laborer, h n side Front ab Mill 
Webb Thomas, laborer, h r s side DeKalb ab Front 
Wheeler James, laborer, h n side DeKalb ab Eighth 
Wheeler Lawrence, laborer, h w side Grove bel Union av 
Widdicombe Thomas, proprietor Railroad House, s side R R R 

c depot 
Wills Margaret, widow Hugh, h r s side DeKalb ab Front 
Wilson Thomas H., ticket agent R R R, h Evans House 
Wilson Frederick A., railroader, h Evans House 
Winget Caroline, h s side DeKalb c Front 
Wise William, shoemaker, h n side DeKalb bel Sixth 

Y 

Young David D., coal dealer, h e side depot n R R R 



LIST OF STREETS. 



NORRISTOWN. 



NOTE. — In locating the Streets of the borough, it was 
thought best, as far as possible, only to notice the streets 
opened for travel ; in some instances, however, the residences 
and places of business of persons living in the extreme rural 
portion of the borough are fixed upon streets not open, but 
are to be found on the borough map. 



ABBREVIATIONS. 

N North ; S South ; E East ; W West ; R River ; bet le- 
tween ; Al alley ; Av Avenue ; bel below. 

Airy, W from^E of Walnut to Arch, and from Green to Bar- 
badoes. 

Ann, W from Cherry to Stony Creek. 

Appletree Al, W from Willow to Church, bet Chestnut and 
Oak. 

Arch, N from Eiypt to Wood. 

Astor, N from Egypt to Marshall. 

Barbadoes, N from R to Marshall. 

Basin, E from Swede to New Hope. 

Beech, E from Stony Creek to Swede. 

Blackberry Al, W from Willow to Church, bet Marshall and 
Chestnut. 

Brown, E and W from either borough line. 

Battonwood, N from Jackson to borough line, bet Hamilton 
and Noble. 

Cedar, E from Tremont Av to New Hope, bet Oak and Ja- 
coby. 

Chain, N from Egypt to Marshall 

Cherry, N from R to Oak. 

Chestnut, E from Cherry to Arch. 

Church, N from Airy to Oak, bet Ssvede and DeKalb 

DeKalb, N from Sohuylkill Bridge to borough line, ending 
in New State Road. 

Egypt, (or Main) E and W from either borough line. 



194 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Ell's, E and W from either borough line. 

Elm, E from Stony Creek to Green, ab Stony Creek. 

Ford, N from Swedes' Ford Bridge to Egypt. 

Franklin N from R to Egypt ab Ford. 

Franklin Av, N from R to Egypt, ab Stony Creek. 

Freedley, E and W from either borough line, bet Fornance 
and Brown. 

George, N from Egypt to Marshall. 

Green, N from R to Wood ab DeKalb 

Hamilton, N from R to borough line. 

Harpers Al, W from Swede to Hickey, bet Washington and 
Schuylkill. 

Haws, N from Egypt to Oak. 

Haws (or Cottage) Av, N from Egypt to Elm. 

Hickey, N from Schuylkill to Washington, bet Cherry and 
Barbadoes. 

Jackson, E and W from Norristown Cemetery to Stanbridge, 
bet W^ashington and R. 

Jacoby, W from DeKalb to Swede. 

Knox, N from R to Egypt. 

Kohn, N from Marshall to Elm. 

Lafayette, W from Ford to Stony Creek. 

Lafayette Av, S from Lafayette bet Swede and Cherry. 

Maple Al, N from Airy to Elm. 
■ Markley, N from R to Penn. 

Marshall, W from New Hope to borough line. 

Middle Al, E from Swede to Strawberry Al. 

Mill, N from R to Egypt, bet Green and Arch. 

New Hope, N from Marshall to Plymouth Road. 

Norris, N from Airy to Marshall, bet Barbadoes and Cherry. 

Oak, E from Cherry to Sand}^. 

Pearl, N from Lafayette to Egypt, bet Chain and Stony 
Creek. 

Penn, W from Walnut to Markley. 

Pine, N from Wood to borough line. 

Powell, N E from Swede to Roberts. 

Roberts, E from Powell to DeKalb. 

Sandy, E from Walnut to borough line, into Sandy Hill 
Road, 

Schuylkill, W from Swede to Markley, bel Washington. 

Schuylkill Al, E from Green to Gas Works. 

Smith, E from Oak to Elm, bet Arch and Walnut. 

Spruce, E from Powell to Arch. 

Stanbridge, N from Egypt to Stcrigere. 

Sterigere, W from Markley to borough line. 

Strawberry Al, N from Washington to Egypt, bet Swede 
ani Egypt. 



STREETS OF NORRISTOWN. 195 

Swede, N from R to borough line, into State Road. 
Thomas, N from Oak to Basin. 
Tremont Av, N from Sandy. 
Violet, N from Marshall to Basin. 
Walnut, N from Lafayette to xMarshall. 
Washington, E from Stony Creek to borough line. 
Willow ,"n from Marshall to Oak, and from Elm to borough 
line. . 

Willow Al, N from Jacoby to Basm. 
Wood, E from Powell to Green. 
White Row, bel Swede, bet Washington and R. 



BRIDGEPORT 



ABBREVIATIONS. 

SW southwest; N W northwest; N north; S south; E 

east; Av avenue ; btl below; bet between; R river ; R R R 

Reading Rail Road ; C V R R Chester Valley Rail Road. 

DeKalb, S W from Bridsxe to State Road. 
Depot, S W from R to Ford Av, at Fifth E to Mill 
Fifth, E from C VR R to junction Depot and Ford Av 
Ford Av, S W from Swedes' Ford Bridge to State Road 
Fourth, E from N W borough line to E do, and Schuylkill 
Road. 
Front, E from DeKalb to Ford Av 
Green, S W from Front to R R R, bel DeKalb. 
Grove, S from Fourth bcl Ford Av, to Rambo. 
Mill, S from R to Fourth, bel DeKalb. 
Rambo, E from Mill to Ford Av, bet C V R R to Fifth. 
Second, E from N W borough line to Depot. 
Seventh, E from DeKalb to Ford Av. 
Sixth, E from DeKalb to Green. 
Third, E from N W borough hne to Mill. 
Union Av, E from Ford Av to borough line. 
Tine, N from Fourth to R R R bel Ford Av. 



STATISTICS. 



NORKISTOWN 



COUNTY AND BOROUGH OFFICEES. 

County OpTicees.— Sheriff , John M. Stauffer, elected Octo- 
ber 1858. Prothonotary, Florance Sullivan, elected October 
1847. Kecorder of Deeds, William Hill, dected October 1857, 
Clerk of Courts, E. B. Moore, elected October, 1857. Register 
of Wills, P. S. Gerhard. County Treasurer, Aaron Brake, 
elected October, 1869 ; office term commenced January, 1860. 
County Commissioners, (each serve 3 years) Jacob Brant, 
elected 1857. J. B. Adams, elected, 1858. Daniel Carr, elect- 
ed, 1859. Auditors, William J. Buck, George Bilger, Jones 
Detwiller. Directors of Poor, Christian Markley, William 
Machnet and Adam Kneedler. County Solicitor, Benjamin E. 
Chain, Esq., for Commissioners, A. B. Longaker, 'Esq., for 
Directors of Poor. Mercantile Appraiser, Abraham S. 
Schwenk. Deputy Sheriff", Wallace Hahn. Deputy Prothono- 
tary, Jerad Evans. Deputy Recorder ofDeeds, A. G. Feather. 
Deputy Clerk of Courts, Jacob F. Quillman. Coroner, J. C. 
Snyder. District Attorney, S. N. Rich. Sealer of Weights 
and Measures, John Righter, Noriiton township. County Sur- 
veyor, Abel Rambo. Congressman, John Wood, Conshohocken. 
State Senator, John Thompson, Pottstown. Assemblymen, 
Dr. C. H. Hill, Hatboro, David Stoneback, Frederick, and John 
Dismant, Upper Providence. 

Prisox — Warden, John Boyer. Deputies, John Bean, John 
Clayton. Inspectors, B. F. Hancock, President, John M. 
Jones, Secretary, Perry M. Hunter, Joseph B. Dunlap, M. D., 
Henry C. Hill, A. Brovrer Longaker. 

Court Officers — President Judge, Daniel M. Smyser, Nor- 
ristown. Associate Judges, Nathaniel Jacoby, Norristown, 
Henry Longaker, Upper Providence. Crier, Archibald Thomp- 
son. Tip Staves, Daniel Jacoby, Adam Schrack. Janitor of 
Court House, David Stahl. 

Borough Officers — Burgess, Charles H. Garber. Clerk of 
Councils, Samuel Thomas. Treasurer, Abraham Markley. 
Councils, Henry Freedley, President, Daniel R. Brower, Jam*es 
Chain, Charles Earnest, Henry C. Hill, John F. Hartrauft, 
James Hooven,W. T.Koplin, Henry Lehman, Samuel B. Lewis, 



200 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Jacob T. Moore, George Shannon, Isaac B. Stokes, Thomas H* 
Wentz, Samuel Yeakle. Borough Surveyor, Samuel Thomas* 
Street and Road Commissioner, John Cowdar. Borough di- 
vided into three Wards, viz : Upper, Middle and Lower. Jus- 
tice of the Peace, Upper Ward, Thomas W. Potts; Middle Ward, 
William Rossiter ; Lower Wards, L. E. Corson. Constables, 
Upper Ward, Thomas Lonnsdale ; Middle Ward, Matthias 
Custer ; Lower Ward, Jonathan Thomas. Police and Watch- 
man, (known by stars) Upper Ward, Henry Beaver ; Middle 
Ward, Peter C. Yost ; Lower Ward, Daniel Emerlck. Asses- 
sors, Upper Ward, Charles Hurst ; Middle Ward, John Cow- 
den ; Lower Ward, Robert Iredell. Tax Collectors, (State and 
County) Upper Ward, Thomas Lonsdale ; Middle Ward, David 
Rogers ; Lower Ward, Isaiah B. Houpt. (Payable to the Bo- 
ough treasurer at his office, until January 1st, the accounts are 
then handed to the collector. Tax Collector, Borough, Thomas 
Lousdale. Tax Collector, School, Isaac Markley. 

Markets— Clerk, Isaac Markley. Regulators, Henry C. 
Hill, Samuel Yeakle. 

Post Office— Post Master, H. G. Hart. Deputy, Frank 
Hart. Carrier, John Stout. 

Gas Department— Superintendent, Abraham Markley. 

Water Department— Superintendent, Samuel Griffith. Su- 
pervisor, Abraham Markley. 



CHURCHES. 

St. John's Episcopal — North side Airy street, between 
Swede and DeKalb. No Pastor at present. Services by various 
clergymen. Names of Wardens— John McKay and Henry 
Edey. Names of Vestrymen— William Wills, James W. 
Schrack, Adam Slemmer, Daniel M. Smyser, Perry M. Hun- 
ter. Number Communicants, about 120. Number Congrga- 
tion, about 120 families. Times of Sabbath services : Winter, 
morning lOi o'clock, evening 7 o'clock ; Summer, morning 104 
o'clock, evening 8 o'clock. Organized December 17th, 1812; 
edifice was commenced 1813, and completed 1814. Sunday 
School— times of sessions: Winter 2 P. M., Summer 9 A. M. 
Number scholars : male 45, female 55 ; teachers, male 3, female 
20. Number of volumes, about 1300. Superintendent— John 
McCay. Librarians— Miss Ann Saylor and Miss Anna G. Potts. 
Sexton— Jonas Wontsetler. Rev. Nathan Stem, D. D., late 
Pastor, commenced February I7th, 1859 ; died November 1st, 
1859. Ladies' Benevolent Society : about 60 members; the 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWN. 201 

ofBcers are two Directresses, one Treasurer and one Secretary. 
During the year 1856, the church edifice was greatly enlarged 
and beautified ; indeed, so thorough has been the renovation 
that it is now virtually anew building. Its present dimensions 
are 56 by 109 feet, in the extreme. A new organ, built by 
Mr. A G. Hunter, of Philadelphia, was placed in the church 
in March, 1858. Organist— W. T. Koplin. 

Baptist Cnuncn Corner Swede and Airy streets. Name of 

Supply — Rev. Thomas Jordan Thomas. Deacons — Thomas 
Shaw, George Lloyd, Samuel D. Philips, William "White, John 
C. McCrea, George Wright, John G. Reese. Trustees — Thos. 
Shaw, John C. McCrea, George Wright, John Reese, M. H. 
McVaugh, Isaac Styer. Reuben Frcase. Sexton — Levi Rush. 
Organized December 12th, 1832 ; edifice built 1833. Sabbath 
School — time of sessions : 2 o'clock, P. M. Number scholars, 
90; male 40, female 50; number teachers, 21; male 7, fe- 
male 14. Number of volumes, 932. Superintendents — Geo. 
Wright, Ass'stant Superintendent — Dr. Wm. Scott. Super- 
intendent Infant School — Lousia Knouse ; 60 scholars. Two 
Bible Classes, Instructors — J. L. Tustin, Catharine Major, 
Number of students, 16 ; male 5, female 11. Libraians — D. 
J. McYaugh and M. H. McYaugh. Public worship Sabbath 
morning and evening ; Wednesday evening a Lecture in the 
Lecture Room at 7i o'clock ; Saturday evening a prayer meet- 
ing at 7^ o'clock. 

First Presbttertan". — Corner DeKalb and Airy streets. 
Hours of service: Winter lOi o'clock, A. M. and 7 P.M.; Sum- 
mer 10 o'clock, A. M. and 8 P. M. iN"umber of communiants, 
143; congregation, 500. Pastor — Job F. Halsey. Elders — 
Henry McMiller, G. Rodman Fox, Cyreneus S. Baker, Samuel 
Beaver, Jr., Levi Streeper and Benj. Davis. Trustees — J. G. 
Ralston, C. S. Baker, Henry Miller, Thomas P. Knox. Andrew 
J. Knox, S. Porter Stinson, Samuel O'Neill, Sr., William Jam- 
ison and Levi Streeper. The Church was organized September 
4th, f819, by Rev. J. P. Wilson, D. D., of Philadelphia. The 
Church was built in the year 1853, at an expense of $30,000, 
including an Organ, $2,050 and Parsonage $2,700; exclusive 
of a lot on which the building stands, and all paid for. Pastor 
of Church when edifice was built — Randolph A. Smith. Sun- 
day School — time of session, 2 o'clock, P. M. Number of schol- 
ars, 160; male 58. female 102; teachers, 17 ; male 5, female 
12. Number of volumes, 820. Superintendent — Benjamin 
Davis ; Assistant Wm. K. Carr. Librarians— Misses Ida Powell 
and Elizabeth M. McMiller. In flint School under the supervis- 
ion of Mrs. Fannie Ilunsicker. Organist — Thos. 0. Neill. Leader 



202 NOERISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

of Choir — James 0. Neill. Sexton — William Black. Biblical 
Lecture on Wednesday evenings, at 7 o'clock, P. M., in Wm- 
ter, and 8 P. M. in Summer. Prayer meeting on Saturday 
evenings ; hours same as above. 

CE^rTRAL Presbyterian-. — Corner Airy and Green streets. 
The Central Presbyterian Church of Norristown is in connec- 
tion with the Fouth Presbytery of Philadelphia, with the Sy- 
nod of Pennsylvania, and through them with the *< General 
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of 
America." Pastor — Rev. Daniel G. Mallery.. Elders — David 
Getty, Jacob Tearry,* Joseph S. Smith, f Charles A. Hallman,t 
Wm. McDermott. Deacons — (none have been elected.) Trus- 
tees— Benjamin E. Chain, (Prest.)M. M'Glathey, (Sec.) Samuel 
Griffith, Jacob Croll, John Cowden, F. Derr, Charles Christ- 
man, David Gelty, Jacob Irett. 195 communicants. Hours 
of service: Sundays, 10 o'clock, Prayer Meeting; 10^ Morn- 
ing Service; 2 Sunday School ; Evening Services, 7 o'clock in 
Winter, 7i Spring and Fall, and 8 in Summer. Thursday 
evening, L3cture ; Saturday evening. Prayer Meeting. Church 
organized November 28th, 1855 ; Corner Stone laid August 9th, 
1856 ; Church Dedicated February, 1858. Communion on the 
first Sundays of January, March, May, July, September and 
November, in the morning. Sunday School — Scholars on roll, 
260; average attendance, 165. Number of volumes, 1,000. 
Superintendent — William McDermott ; Assistant — Jacob S. 
Rynick. Bible Class Teacher — Jacob C. Rynick. Librarian — 
Oliver E. Croll. Sexton — Augustus Solomon. Societies in the 
Church — Parish Mission. Officers same as the Church. Ob- 
ject : to sustain Prayer Meetings and Mission Schools in the 
neighborhood, and to distribute tracts throughout the town. 
Dorcas Society, of Female Sunday School Scholars — Object : 
to make clothing for poor children. 

^Deceased fRemoved. 

Trinity Lutheran". — DeKalb street above Penn. Pastor — 
Rev. Charles A. Baer. Elders — Adam Kneedler, John Barftcs, 
Amos Shoffner, Francis Nace. Deacons— William Stabler, 
Daniel Schuler, Andrew Schock, Jacob Kramer, John Wolf, 
Henry Lehman. Organized, 1849. No. of communicants, 190. 
Sexton — Isaac Markley. Divine service every Sunday at 104 
o'clock A. M., and 7 P. M., also on the principal Church festi- 
vals. Lecture on Wedncs la}'- evening ; Prayer meeting on 
Friday evening. Sunday School, at 2 o'clock P. M. Super- 
intendent — Henry Lehman. Librarian — Josiah Christman. 
No. of scholars, 135. No. of volumes in Library, 925. Bible 
Class by Pastor. 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWN. *J 

German Reform Ciiuecii of the Ascexsiox— South side Airy, 
between Swede andDeKaib streets. Hours of service i Winter, 
lOi A. M. and 7 o'clock, P. M. ; Summer, 10 A. M. and 8 o'clock 
P. M. Lecture Wednesday evening ; 7 o'clock, P. M. in Win- 
t r and 8 P. M, in Summer. Number of Communicants, 149; 
Congregation, 300. Pastor — Rev. P. S. Davis. Trustees — 
Wm. Earnest, Wm. Schall, B. xMarkley Boyer,Benj. Hill, P. P. 
Dewecs C. Ramey, Charles Earnest, Abraham Schwenk and 
J. Reppert. Elders— G. C. Wack, Wm. Earnest, Wm. Schall 
and John M. Jones. Deacons — D. Weber, C. Earnest, John 
Garver, M. Custer, B. W. Be^er and H. L. Acker. Church 
organized in 1846 ; Edifice built in 1847, and enlarged in 1859. 
Sabbath School — time of sessions : 2 o'clock, P. M. 130 con- 
nected with Sabbath School, Bible Class and Catechetical Class. 
Volumes in Libiary, 550; in Teachers' Library, 100. Super- 
intendent — M. Thomson. Librarians — David Krause, John For- 
nance. Bible Class Instructor — Rev. P. S. Davis ; 8 male and 
14 female students. Sexton — Jacob Reppert. 

First Methodist Episcopal. — East side DeKalb street, be- 
tween Airy and Marshall. Sabbath services : Winter, 10^ A. 
M. and 7 o'clock, P. M.; Summer, 10 A. M. and 8 o'clock, P. 
M. Class Meetings, for the relation of christian experience, 
and Prayer Meeting, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 
evenings, at 8 o'clock in Summer and 7i in Winter. Commu- 
nicants, 150 ; congregation 500. Church organized 1834; ed- 
ifice built and dedicated November, 1858. Pastor— J. W. Me- 
caskey. Trustees— Z. Welsh, W. Keiger, J. Stout,J. Moyer,A. 
Briggs, C. Evans, P. Long. Stewards — Z. Welsh, W. Keyser, 
J. Printz, S. Benner, J. Stout, N. Pawlmg. Sabbath School- 
time of sessions : 2 o'clock, P. M. 145 male and 195 female 
scholars ; 12 male and 16 female teachers ; 660 volumes in Li- 
brary. Superintendent — J. R. Harner ; Ass'siant, Z.Welsh. 
Librarian — C. Evans. Bible Class — Rev. J. W. Mecaskey, in- 
structor ; 5 male and 15 female students. Sexton — Joseph Mc- 
Carter. 

Oak Street Methodist Episcopal. — Corner Oak and Church. 
Sabbath Services: Winter, 10^ A. M. and 7 P. M.; Summer, 
10 A. M. and7f P. M. Communicants. 196. Church organ- 
ized July 11, 1854 ; edifice built 1854. Pastor— Rev. John 
Thompson. Stewards — William A. Ruddach, Henry Bain- 
bridge, Isaac Boulton, Charles Stout, Samuel McCarter. Trus- 
tees-William A. Rueldach, Henry Bainbridge, James H. Fries, 
Jjhn Supplee, Isaac Boulton, William Oldfield, Samuel McCar- 
ter, Ciiarles Baker, Francis H. Thompson. Leaders— Rev. 
John Thompson, James H. Fries, W. A. Ruddach, Isaac B. 
Irwin, F. H. Thompson, Samuel McCarter, Edward Thomas. 



204 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Sabbath School— time of sessions : li oclock, P. M. 700 vol- 
umes in Library. SuDerintendent— William A. Ruddack ; 
Assistant, Samuel McCarter. Libraian— H. Bainbridge. B.ble 
Class Instructor— Emma B.st. Sexton— James Kame. 

First M. P. Ebb^^ezer, (colored.)— West side Arch above 
Elm. Times of Sabbath Services; Winter, class 11 A. M., 
ref'ular service 8 and li P. M.; Summer, class 10^ A. M., reg- 
ular service 3 and H P. M.; weekly meeting on Wednesday 
evenin"-, at 7h o'clock. The Church was organized June, 
1849;°house built 1853. Pastor— Rev. Samuel H. Amos. 
Trustees— Samuel Winters, Holland Nixon, James Smith, 
Daniel Ross, Isaac Jackson. Communicants 68; congrega- 
tion, 100. Sunday School— time of sessions : li o'clock, P. 
M. 50 S3holars and 6 teachers ; 170 volumes in Library. Su- 
perintendent— Charles Kaufman. Librarian— William Rhodes. 
Sexton— Isaac J. Amos. 

Sr. Patrick's Catholic— On Washington above Cherry 
street. Pastor— Rev. Jeremiah 0. Donoghue. Congregation, 
2000. Regular Sabbath service at 8 and 104 A. M- Vesper, 
3i P. M. Numberof children in Sunday Sihool, 450. Teach- 
ers, 5). Huirs of attendan-.e from 2 to 3^^ P. M. Super- 
intendent—Rev. J. O.Donoghue. 

Swedes'.— Swedesburg, adjoining the borough of Bridge- 
port. . Senior Warden— B. B. Hughes. Junior Warden— W. 
H Holstein. Vestry— Lindsay Coates, Walter P. Rambo, R. 
t' Stewart George W. Holstein, William B. Rambo, Charles 
L.*Cornman,S. S.Smith. Pastor-Rev. H.nryRees Tmus 
of s-rvice— Winter, 10 o'cbck A.M., Summer, 10 i o clock 
A M Communion, lirst Sabbath of each month. Sunday 
School is superintended by Horace Priest. Number of pupils, 
60, held every Sabbath at 2 o'clock. 

rRiE>^DS Society.— Corner of Swede and Jacoby streets. 
Or-anized 1852. Meeting First and Fifth days, at 10 o clock, 
A^M Summer and Winter. About 114 members ; congre- 
gation about 75. Sexton-Eli Pugh. An Inelulged Meeting 
under the care of Gwyneeld Monthly Meeting, with a prospect 
of having a Preparative Meeting established soon. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

HiiMAXB E.wiNH, No. 1.— Airy s'reet, between Swede and 
DeKalb. Oi-anized Julv 21st, 1852. "5 Active, 28 Contnb- 
uting and 14 Honorary members. President, Reuben i. Schali; 
Vice President, Adam Fungman ; Secretary, A. A\ . Bertoiet ; 
AsTstant Secretary, Theoelore Adle ; Trea.surer, Alb.r A^ et- 



STATISTICS OF XORRISTOWN. 205 

zcl ; House Committee, Josiah Bolton, Benedict Fungman, 
Jacob Smith; Directors, A. W. Bertolct, Ralph W. Novioch, 
Josiah Bolton, Joseph K. Bolton, Peter Yost, Samuer W. Clow- 
ard, John Entks, William McDadc, John S. Bolton, William 
Bolton, Thomas Morton, Lewis H. Davis. 

Fairmouxt Exgine. — DeKalb below Egypt street. Organ- 
ized December 12th, 1852. G7 Active, 38 Contributing and 28 
Honorary members. President, A.Stephen; Treasurer, Jos. 
Becrtr; Secretary, AY. Lyle; Assistant Secretary, L. K.Beerer, 

NoRRiSTOwx Hose, No. 1. — DeKalb street, between Airy 
and Marshall streets. Organize^d November 12th, 1847. 78 
Active, 35 Contributing and 54 Honorary members. President, 
Comly Wright ; Yi^e President, C. Ramley ; Secretary, Frank 
Hart; Treasurer, J. S. Moore; Directors, Samuel Davis, E. 
R. W. Seckel, Jeremiah Buck, Joseph White, Wm. Lambert, 
J. R. Stephens, Howard Bruce, Francis Bradley, D. N. Rob- 
erts, Harrison Bickle, John H. Kirkbride, Thomas Yeager. 

Montgomery Hose, No. 2. — Penn street, between Swede and 
DeKalb streets. Instituted 1847 ; incorporated 1848. 109 
Active and 18 Honorary members. Preside^nt, John F. Ilart- 
rauft ; Secretary, J. A. Reilf; Treasurer, John McDermot; 
Auditors, Francis Baker, Charles Hunsicker, Joseph C. liead ; 
Trustees, D. F. Hartrauft, Francis Baker, John McDermot ; 
Directors, J. F. Quillman, Jacob P. Brook, Wm. H. Y^erkcs, A. 
H. Fillman, David Bath, Lane S. Hart, F. P. Kirkbride, John 
Slingluft. 



MILITARY DEPARTMENT. 

Keystoxe Rifles. — Organized February 8th, 1859. Meet 
in Amey's Hall, on Friday evenings, at 8 o'clock. 63 Equipted 
members ; 33 arms. Captain, George Amey ; 1st Lieutenant, 
Jesse Kelton ; 2d Lieutenant, A. C. Beyer ; 3d Lieutenant, 
William B. Nungcsser ; Treasurer, Charles Froats ; Secretary, 
Thomas Gouldy. 

National Artilerists. — Organized November 8th, 1858. 
Drill in Rodey's Hall, corner of Arch and Main streets, every 
Monday and Friday evenings. 52 Eejuipt members ; 56 arms. 
Captain, Reuben T. Schall ; 1st Lieutenant, Edwin Schall ; 
Junior 1st Lieutenant, Wm. AUabough ; 2d Lieutenant, Chas. 
Hansell; 1st Sergeant, Edward Schall ; 2d Sergeant, H. Lysin- 
ger ; 3d Sergeadt, David Schall; 4th Sergeant, Samuel Painter; 
Quarter Master Sergeant, Davis Longacre ; 1st Corporal, Mat- 
thew Painter; 2d Corporal, George Edleman ; 3d Corporal, 
Samuel Fair; 4th Corporal, Harry McYrugh ; Secretary Ed- 
ward Schall ; Treasurer, Edwin Schall. 



206 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Watnb Aktillertsts. — Armory on Green street, between 
Egypt and Lafayette streets. Organized July, 1854. 60 mus- 
kets and one six pound gun. Captain, Wm. Lesher ; 1st Lieu- 
tenant, John 0. Snyder; 2d Lieutenant, Joseph Oliver; 3d 
Lieutenant, Wm. J. Botten. 

NoRRis OiTT Rifles. — Organized December 16, 1856. Meet 
in Bodey's Hall, Arch street, between Main and Penn streets, 
on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, at 7 o'clock. 70 Equipt 
members ; 50 rifles. Days of public drill 22d February, 1st 
Monelay in June, 4th July, 1st Monday in October, Thanksgiv- 
ing Day and 16th December. Captain, J. E. Hartrauft; 1st 
Lieutenant, Augustus Y. Rushon ; 2d Lieut., Charles White ; 
2d 2d Lieut., Wm. H. Yerkes. 



POST OFFICE DEPA^RTMENT. 

Norristown Post Office, north siele of DeKalb, below Penn. 
Mails from New York, Boston, Portland, Brooklyn, and New 
York State, arrive at 7.30 A. M. and 4.45 P. M.; close 10^ A. 
M., 5 P. M. Philad'a (through mail) arrives daily at 7.20 A. 
M. and 4.30 P. M.; closes at 11 A. M. and 5 30P.M, Philad'a 
(way mail) arrives daily at 7 A. M. by coach and 9 A. M. by 
railroad ; closes at 10 A. M. by railroad, and 1 P. M. by coach. 
Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, and Harrisburg, via Reading 
and Pottsville Railroad, closes daily at 7.30 A. M.; arrives at 
12.15 P. M. Shannonville and Pho?nixville (by coach) arrives 
at 9 A. M. daily ; closes at 3.40 P. M. Norristown and Potts- 
town (by coach) tri-weekly, arrives on Monday, Wedneselay 
and Friday, at 11 A. M.; closes on Tueselay, Thursday and 
Saturday, at 9.40 A. M. Norristown and Foglesville (by coach) 
tri-weekly, arrives on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 11 
A. M.; closes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 9.40^A. 
M. Norristown and Sumneytown (by coach) try-weeklj^ ar- 
rives on Monday, Wednesday and Frida}^ at 11 A. M.: closes 
on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturda}', at 9.40 A. M. Norris- 
town and Trappe (by coach) arrives daily, at 9 A. M.; closes 
at 3.45 P. M. Norristown and Manayunk [hj coach) arrives 
on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, at 10 A. M.; closes on 
alternate days, at 1 P. M. Norristown and King of Prussia 
semi-weekl}^, arrives on AVednesday and Saturday, at 11 A. M ; 
closes same days, at 5 P. M. Norristown anel Norrionville 
weekl}^, arrives and departs every Wednesday at noon. Nor- 
ristown and Bo5^erstown tri-weeklv, by (coach) arrives on 
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at II A. M.; clcsis on Tues- 
day Thursday and Saturday, at 4. P. M. IL G. Hart, P. M. 



STATISTICS OF XORRISTOWN. 207 

CEMETEKIES. 

MoTGOMERY Cemetery Compaxy. — Norriton township, north- 
west of borough line, bounding the same. Company organ- 
ized September, A. D. 1847 ; incorporated April 4th, A. D. 
1848. First interment, Mrs. Christian Nace, March 16th, 
A. D. 1849. Capital, f 8000. Number acres, 30- Number 
Interments up to April 1st, A. D. 1859, were G52. Size of lots, 
eight bj sixteen feet, which range in price from $20 to $40. 
President, Abraham Markley ; Secretary, Charles H. Garbcr ; 
Treasurer, William H. Sligluff ; Trustees, Abraham Markley, 
Adam Slemmer, Daniel Longaker, Franklin Dcrr, William H. 
Slingluff, Henry Freedley, William Schall ; Resident Keeper, 
John C. Richards. 

NoRRis City Cemetry One mile northeast of No rristown. 

Incorporated in November, 1857. Capital, $8000. The first 
iEterment was made in the Spring of 1858. It has over 2000 
lots laid out at present, eight by sixteen feet. The price of 
lots is $10. About 200 lots are sold, and ten or twelve inter- 
ments made. It contains 28 acres, and was formerly knov\m as 
Rossiter farm. President, Col. Henry L. Acker ; Treasurer and 
Secretary, John Stout ; Managers, Andrew Cochran, Henry 
L. Acker, Jacob Monk, John Stout. 

St. Patrick's Burial Ground. — South side Egypt, west of 
Stony Creek. Under the control strictly of the Pastor of the 
Church. 

Potter's Field. — Corner Sanely and Violet streets. A pub- 
lic burying ground, purchased from Levi and Elzabeth Pawling, 
May 14, A. D. 1819. It contains 33 perches. Under the ju- 
risdiction of the Town Council. 



MILLS. 

Paper Mill.— On Stony Creek ; Oram & Miln, proprietors. 
Known for a long time as "Stanbridg's Cotton Factory." No 
information when it Avas built. Destroyed by tire in 1854, and 
immediately rebuilt by Isaac Roberts, Esq., and leased for a 
paper mill, to Messrs. Oram & Miln. Engine 20 horse power. 
Make about 75 tons per annum. 

Egypt Flour Mill.— Foot Mill street, below Washington. 
Christian Heebner, proprietor. A portion of this mill was 
built in 1809; addition built in 1842; another addition in 1857. 
Three story building ; length 110 feet, width 50 feet. Run six 
burrs, (3 wheat, 1 cwn meal, 1 chopping and 1 for plaster.) 
Weekly capacity, 70 barrels. Two wheels ; one 18 feet deep, 
7 feet wide ; the other IG feet deep, 11 feet wide. 



208 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

ScHEETz's Flour and Grist Mill. — On Stony Creek, corner 
Noble and Lof^an streets. Jacob C, Sceheetz, proprietor Built 
in 1804, by Ezekicl Rhoads. Water power, 25 horse; wheel 
16 feet diameter, 4 feet head; run 3 stones. Capacity 50 bushtls 
daily. 

Stony Creek Merchant & Flour Mill. — E.2;ypt s': reet, cor- 
ner Markley. Lehman & Fizone, proprietors. Built A D. 1831; 
rebuilt A. I). 1858, by Jacob Freedley. Run 5 burrs, by water 
and steam ; engine (built by A. Gear) 40 horse power. When 
run by steam, capacity 100 barrels daily ; run by water, 50 
barrels daily. 

Flaxseed Oil Mill. — Lafayette street, corner Ford. Built 
in 1855, by George Shannon ; put in operation in 1856. Work- 
ed by steam; engine eapacity, 26 horse power, built 1855 by 
Corson & West. Employ 5 hands. Work up 92 bushels flax- 
seed in 10 hours. 

Steam Planing Mill and Sash and Door Factory. — Main 
street, above Stony Creek. Built in 1854, by Samuel GrofF, and 
put in operation by him. Thomas H. Wentz, proprietor ; 
Samuel Groff, foreman. Two engines (one built by McCarter 
& Brothers, the other by Jacob D. Custer, Norristown) 6 horse 
power each. Employ 10 hands. 

Steam Planing Mill and Shutter and Sash Factory. 
Egypt street, above Stony Creek. Bolton, Christman & Co., 
proprietors. Built by B. C. & Co., in 1854 ; put in operation 
in 1855. Engine built by Jacob D. Custer, in 1854, 50 horse 
power. Employ 30 hands. 

Steam Sash Factory & Planing Mill. — Egypt street, be- 
low Arch. Fluck & Guest, proprietors. Built in 1855, by F. 
& G. Engine built in 1855, by Supplee & Brother, 25 horse 
power. Employ 25 hands. 



i^ACTORIES. 

McCready's Cotton Factory.— Foot Swede sircet. Built 
in 1826, by Barnard McCready, and put in operation in 1828. 
Addition to the original building built in 1840. Robert Ewing, 
proprietor. Superintendent, John McDermot, who has held 
that position for 27 years, 10 water wheels ; 240 horse power; 
16,000 spindles, 509 looms ; 380 employees— the sexes equally 
represented. This mill supports 70 families, and there is bo- 
longing to the property 70 dwellings. 

Cotton Factory.— Corner of Mill and Washington s'reets. 
J. Hope & Co. Manufacture Cottonades,Ginghan s and Checks. 
Driven by steam ; 60 horse power ; 5 feet slroke. 5000 
spindles, 175 looms. Employ 60 male and 70 female operatives. 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWX. 209 

Jamison's Cotton Factory, — Foot DeKalb street, William 
M. Jamison, proprietor. Built in 1837 ; put in operation in 
1838. Driven by steam ; 125 horse power (double engine) 
built by French & Miller in 1838. 650 looms, 18,000 spindles. 
Employ 400 hands, (100 male and 300 female.) 

Fonteboa WooLEisr Factory. — On River below Jackson. 
Samuel DeHaven, proprietor. Built in 1849, by William Ham- 
mil. Engine 25 horse power, built in 1849, by Samuel Sheaff', 
Centre Square, Montgomery county. 600 spindles ; 32 looms. 
Employ 30 hands, male and female. 



ASSOCIATIONS. 

Young Mens' Christian Union. — Organized May, 1858 
Meetings are held in Airy Street Hall, on Tuesday evening of 
each week, at 74 o'clock. Membership 60 ; Life do. 1. Yearly 
contribution $1. President, F. B. Foley, M. D. : Vice Presi- 
dent, Jacob S. Rynick ; Secretary, A. F. Day ; Treasurer, D. 
J. McVaugh; Directors, Samuel Beaver, Jr., William McDer- 
mott, F. H. Thompson, John Johnson, S. Kinkinger, John 
Wisler, Charles H. Bossert. 

Montgomery County Bible Society. — Organized 1819. An- 
nual meetings held in March, of each year, in the several 
Churches in Norristown. Depository at the residence of Adam 
Slemmer, Secretary. President, Rev. Robert Steele ; Vice Pres- 
idents, Rev. J. G. Ralston and Rev. Job F. Halsey. (Two re- 
cently removed by death, Rev. Nathan Stem and William Ham- 
mill, and their places have not yet been filled.) Managers, 
Rev. D. G. Mallery, G. Rodney Fox, Esq., P. B. Foley, M. D., 
Mr. William A. Ruddach and Hon. Judge Krause. 

Montgomery County Medical Society. — Organized April 
17, 1848. Time of meeting on the Saturday preceeding the 
full moon in January, April, July and October. President, S. 
D. Harvey, M. D.; Vice Presidents, Drs. F. B. Foley and C. 
Shoemaker ; Recording Secretary, L. W. Read, M. D.; Corres- 
ponding Secretary, Dr. Robinson ; Treasurer, Milton New- 
berry, M. D.; Censors, Drs. C. Shoemaker, H. Corson and F. 
B. Foley ; Examiners, Drs. H. Corson, Robinson and Vanarts- 
dale. 

Norristown Library. — Located on DeKalb street, between 
Airy and Marshall. Charted May, A. D. 1796. 3,100 volumes; 
100 members ; stock $5 a share ; yearly installments, $2 ; per- 
petual members, ^35 ; life members, $20. Annual meeting 
first Tuesday in January. Quarterly meetings last Tues- 
days in January, April, July, and October. Secretary, 



210 NORMSTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

William McDermott ; Treasurer, A. F. Day ; Librarian, Charles 
H. Greger; Trustees, Adam Slemmer, William H. SlinglufF, B. 
F. Hancock, John McKaj^ Daniel Longaker, R. T. Stewart, A. 
B. Lonaker, Benjamin E. Chain, William McDermott, Thcmas 
H. Wentz, DanielJacoby, Charles H. Simpson. 

The Norris Institute. — This association was organized on 
Monday evening, October 1, 1855. Its object is the mutual 
improvement of its members through discussions, compo- 
sitions, &c. It has a large number of members, and its meet- 
ings are well attended by the citizens of the borough and 
vicinity. At every meeting of the Institute there is a debate, 
and an original essay and a selected piece read by persons ap- 
pointed by the President. It meets every Friday evening in 
Meeh's Saloon, on Egypt street. President, C. J. Thompson; 
Vice President, J. D. Custer ; Secretary, S. C. Roberts ; Treas- 
urer, J. R. Hunsicker ; Censor, H. Gamble. 

Cabinet of Natural Sciences. — The Cabinet of Natural 
Sciences of Montgomery county was instituted September 4th, 
1830, and continued its operations until July, 1842, when it 
ceased to meet until September, 25, 1858 when an effort by 
some of its old members, in connection with some enterpris- 
ing young men, was made for its resuscitation, which effort 
promises to be successful. President, Alan W. Corson ; Vice 
Presidents, B. Markley Boyer, Esq., F. B. Poley, M. D.; Cor- 
responding Secretary, Wm. Corson, M. D.; Recording Secre- 
tary, Samuel Thomas; Treasurer, Walter W. Cooke; Libra- 
rian, Wm. N. Scott, M. D.; Curators, Carrol S. Tyson, L. W. 
Read, M. D.,Elwood Corson ; Auditors, Carrol S. Tyson, Wal- 
ter W. Cooke, C. S. Baker, M. D.; Historical Department Com- 
mittee, Charles J. Elliott, Jones Detweiler, Hiram Corson, M. D. 



SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Curtis Lodge, No. 239, L 0. op 0. F.— Instituted April 
29th, A. D. 1847 ; meet Thursday evening of each week, in 
Odd Fellows' Hall, at 8 o'clock. Has invested in stocks |1950, 
arid about 120 contributing members. Officers — Noble Grand, 
John Wolf; Vice Grand, John Richards ; Secretary, W. T. 
Koplin ; Assistant Secretary, John Snider ; Treasurer, P. Gil- 
inger ; Representative to Grand Lodge, William A. Ruddach ; 
Trustees, P. G. William A. Ruddach, P. G. Mark Thompson, 
and P. G. William R. Lesher. 

Norris Lodge I. 0. of 0. F. — Organized March 13, 1851. 
Meetings held in Odd Fellows' Hall, on Friday evening of each 
week, winter 7^ o'clock, summer 8 o'clock. Number of mem- 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWN. 211 

bers 97. Officers — Noble Grand, Thomas C. Simpson ; Vice 
Grand, Jacob F. Quillman ; Secretary, John Roberts ; x\ssis- 
tant Secretary, John A. Keiger ; Treasurer, Samuel Thomas. 

NoRRiSTOWN ExcAMPMENT, No. 37 I. 0. OF 0. F. — Institu- 
ted July 9th, A. D. 1846 ; meetings in Odd Fellows' Hall, 2d 
and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Officers — 0. P., William 
Ensley ; H. P., Isaac Bolton ; S. ^Y., Samuel Thomas; J. W., 
Mark Thompson ; Scribe, William A. Ruddach ; Treasurer, 
E. Kite. 

G. U. 0. OF 0. F. No. 1025— Instituted May 29, A. D. 1859. 
Meetings held corner Egypt and Swede streets, Tuesday even- 
ing of each week, at li o'clock in winter, 8 o'clock in summer; 
members 36. N. G., Solomon Jackson; V. G., Daniel Ross, 
P. S., Samuel H. Amos; T., Thomas Brofi". 

Mount Pisgah Lodge, No. 32 — Instituted December, 1856 ; 
meetings held corner Egypt and Swede streets, on first Thurs- 
da}^ of each month, at 7i P. M. ; members 17. Officers — W. 
M., Holland Nixon; S. W., Albanus Fisher; J. W., John A. 
Smith ; Secretary, Samuel H, Amos ; Treasurer, Thomas Broff". 

Charity Lodge, No. 190 A. Y, M. — Meetings held, Wednes- 
day on or after full moon, at Odd Fellows' Hall; membership 
114. Officers— Worshipful Master, F. Sullivan ; Senior War- 
den, F. B. Solly ; Junior Warden, M. Maloney. 

NoRRTSTOWN H. R. A. Chapter, No. 190 — Instituted January 
14, 1859, A. L. 5859; meetings held Wednesday before full 
moon, in Odd Fellows' Hall ; membership 25. Officers — M. 
E. H. Priest, C. L. Cornman ; M, E. King, Samuel Brown, Jr.; 
M. E. Scribe, Charles Henderson. 

Montgomery Lodge, No. 80, A. D. 0. H. — Organized Au- 
gust 22d, 1857 ; meetings held in Humane Engine House, on 
Thursday evening of each week, at 8 o'clock ; membership 44. 
Officers— 0. L., Martin Worms; Secretary, Joseph Sax; U. 
B., Philip Jacobs. 

Norris Chapter, No. — Phili Beta Pi — Organized Jan- 
uary 12th, 1858 ; meetings held over Norristown Hose House, 
DeKalb street. Officers— A. P., J. R. Hunsicker ; A. V. P., 
C. H. Sherer ; A, R, S,, Frank Hart ; A, S„ J. R, Stephens 
A, F,, John Davis. 

Star Grotto No. 6, S and D of A A — Organized May 31, 
1859 ; meetings held in Odd Fellows' Hall, on Monday evening 
of each week, winter 7h o'clock, summer 8 o'clock ; member- 
ship 50, (40 male and 10 female). Officers— Junior Ex P, Mar- 
garetta Boltin ; 1st P, William N» Clemmer ; 2d P, Kate 



212 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGBPORT. 

f hompson ; R S, Jacob R. Stephens ; A S, Kate Longacre ; T, 
Isaac Bolton ; C, William A, Boltin ; C, Martha Cornog ; 
S, John Anderson ; J S, Benjamin Bainbridge, 

Taylor Couxcil, No. 29, op U A M — Was organized by 
the officers of the Slate Council of Pennsylvania, December 18, 
1846, with 17 charter members, and numbers now about 130 
members ; meets on every Wednesday evening in the third 
story of the Humane Engine House, Airy street above DeKalb. 
The present officers are, C, John Guyder ; V C, Daniel G. 
Sherman ; R Sec, Samuel B. Lewis ; A R Sec, Lewis T. 
Keyser ; Treasurer, Joseph Johnson ; F Sec, William A. 
Ruddach ; Ind, J R Stephens ; Ex, Benjamin Davis ; J P, 
Theodore Carpenter; P, Matthias Custer, Sr,; Trustees, D. 
G. Sherman, James Hastings, Samuel Scheetz. 

Order of the Junior Sons of America — Washington Camp 
No. 6, organized April 8, 1850, meets every Tuesday evening 
at their hall, on Egypt street, near the corner of Swede street, 
over the office of the National Defender, Norristown, Pa. Of- 
ficers — Past President, Samuel Stephens ; President, William 
Earls ; Master of F and Cer, J. Calvin Schall: Conductor, A. 
B. Helffenstine ; R Sec. J. S. Batchelder ; Sec, G. Y. Hanscll ; 
Treas, Walter Thcfmpson. 

American Protestant Association — Friendship Lodge No- 
39, organized November 24, 1853 ; meetings held at Odd Fel" 
lows' Hall, Thursday evening of each week ; membership 92- 
Officers— W M, James McClelland ; W D M, Calvin Schall ; 
R Sec, Thomas Graham ; P Sec, James Donaldson ; A Sec» 
Evan Jones ; Treasurer, William Graham ; Conductor, Joseph 
Cameron ; A S Conductor, Thomas McMeekin; Chaplin, Robert 
Arsken ; Inside Guard, James Shannon ; Outside Guard, 
Samuel Innes, 



IRON WORKS. 

NoRRis Iron Works — Marklej between Lafayette and Wash- 
ington, Bowman, Taggart & Co., proprietors. Built A. D. 
1849, by Thomas & Gait, and put in operation same year. 
Engine 35 horse power, built by Harlan & HoUings worth, 
Wilmington, Delaware. Employ 75 hands. John West chief 
engineer. 

Norristown Iron Works, Washington foot Barbadoes, 
James Hooven, proprietor, make plate and bar iron and nails. 
Built by Moore & Hooven, 1845, 1846, and put in operation A. 
D., 1840. Two engines, one hundred horse power each, built 
A. D., 1846, by HoUingsworth, Harvey <fe Co., Wilmington, 
Delaware. Employ 100 hands. 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWN 213 

EAfjLE Iron Works, Foundry axd MAcniNE Snop — Loca- 
ted Washinj^ton street below M'll, Thomas Simrman, proprie- 
tor. Built 1839 ; blow by steam, two engines, power l2 horse 
each, 8 inch bore, 24 feet stroke ; employ 30 hands. 

NoRRiSTOWN Natl and Iron Works — Washington foot 
Markle)^ Built 1850, put in operation 1851 by William Schall, 
proprietor. Make boiler plate and nails; two engines (130 
horse power) built by McCarter & Brothers, 1850. Hands 150; 
eight heating and puddling furnaces, thirty nail machines. 

LuciNDA Furnace, (Anthracite blast) — Built 1856, put in 
operation, 1856, by William Schall. Make pig iron ; engine 
100 horse power, built by McCarter & Brothers, 1856. Em- 
ploy 20 hands ; worked by William Schall & Son, (William 
S3hall, Reuben S:hall.) 

Montgomery Iron Foundry and Machine Shop — Wash- 
ington street corner Strawberry Alley, A. McCarter & Brothers, 
proprietors. Built A. J). 1847, by Arthur McCarter, enlarged 
A. I). 1855 by A. McCarter & Brothers ; engine 12 horse pow- 
er, built A. D. 1855, by A. McCarter & Brothers ; boiler 52 
inches in diameter, 7 feet high. Employ 35 hands. 

Machine Shop — North side Lafayette street below Mill. 
Town clocks and machinery. Built 1850, by Jacob D. Custer ; 
three horse-power engine built 1853, by J. D. Custer. Pro- 
prietor, J. D. Custer. 

PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

Mary Sowers, west side DeKalb above Penn 

Mrs. Craig, corner Airy and Maple Alley 

Annie Powell, corner Eg.ypt and Green 

Oakland Female Seminary, north side Egypt opposite Franklin 

Adelphia Institute, DeKalb above Basin 

DeKalb Institute, DeKalb above Basin 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Directors — President, Percival P. Dewecs, Secretary, Charles 
H. Garber, Treasurer, John Potts, Nathaniel Jacoby, Evans 
F. Johns, A. Brower Longaker. Real estate and school prop- 
erty valued at $45,000. 

Oak Street School, (building brick,) Oak street above De- 
Kalb. Rev. George D. Wolf, principal. Second floor — Boys' 
high school, 25 pupils; Rev. George D. Wolf, teacher. Second 
division boys' grammer, 27 pupils; Thomas May Pierce, teacher. 



214: NORRISTOWN AND BEIDGEPORT. 

Third division bo3^s' grammer, 30 pupils; Almira C. Foquette. 
teacher. First floor — First division secondary, 26 males, 29 
females ; Miss Lizzie Shaw, teacher. Second division, girls' 
secondary, 55 pupils ; Miss Massie Jones, teacher. Third di- 
vision, boys' secondary, 52 pupils ; M'ss Lavina W. Day, teach- 
er. Boys' primary, 91 pupils M'ss Lydia Eoberis, teacher. 
Girls primary, 81 pupils ; Miss Maggie A. Leibcrt. Third 
floor — Girls high and grammer schools. First division or high 
school, 27 pupils ; Amanda Huston teacher. Second division, 
girls' grammer, 44 pupils ; Mary H. Jones, teacher. Third 
division girls' grammer, 52 pupils ; Anna G. Potts, teacher. 

Cheurt Street School, corner Cherry and Airy streets, 
Edward Schall, principal. Boys' secondary, 44 pupils ; Ed- 
ward Schall, teacher. Girls' secondary, 49 pupils ; Sarah N. 
Shofner, teacher. Boys' primary, 82 pupils ; Louisa A. Stem, 
teacher. Girls' primary, 95 pupils ; Letitia R. Day, teacher. 

Sandy Street School, Sandy street corner of Walnut, 
Joseph Fornance, principal. Boys' secondary, 47 pupils ; 
Joseph Fornance, teacher. Girls' secondary, 40 pupils ; Lizzie 
Walker, teacher. Boys' primary, 80 pupils ; Charlotte Johns, 
teacher. 

Marshall Street School, in private dwelling, principal, 
Jesse P Thomas. 36 pupils ; Jesse P. Thomas, teacher. 

Colored School, Oak street below DeKalb, Mary W. 
Roberts, principal. 25 boys and 21 girls ; Mary W. Roberts 
teacher. 



BANK AND SAYINGS INSTITUTIONS. 

Bank of Montgomery County. — Banking House located 
south side Egypt street, between Cherry and Barbadocs. Date 
charter, August 29th, 1815; capital stock, $400,000. Discount 
days: Tuesdays, 4^ o'clock, P. M.; Saturdays, 9 o'clock, A. 
M. President, John Boyer ; Cashier, William H. Slingluft' ; 
Directors, Henry Drake, Franklin Derr, Philip S. Gerherd, 
Garret C. Reifi*, John Iredell, Jacob Fitzwater, Daniel Longa- 
ker, Benjamin B. Hughes, Christian Hunsicker, Samuel An- 
dres, Benjamin E, Chain ; Teller, William McDermot ; Book- 
keeper, Augustus F. Day; Clerk, John Slinghifi' ; Watchman, 
Samuel Kingler. 

Workino; Mens'' Savings, Loan and Building Association. 
Meet in Odd Fellows' Hall, on the second Wednesday evening 
of each month. Amount capital stock paid in is $60,042.30. 
Has been in operation about six years. President, Benjamin 
E. Chain ; Treasurer, Jacob Chilels ; Secretary, W. T. Kop- 
lin ; and nine Directors. 



STATISTICS OF NORPJSTOWN. 215 

The Norristown Savings, Loan and Building Association. 
Meet first Wednesday evening in each month, in Odd Fellows' 
Hall. Incorporated Febmaiy 4th, 1852 ; capital $71,937.16. 
President, William Rossi ter; Treasurer, George Shannon; Sec- 
retary, Edwin Schall ; Directors, Cliarlcs Christman, Jacob 
Childs, Daniel Longakcr, William H. Slingluff, Daniel G. Sher- 
man, Isaac B. Stokes, Thomas H. Wentz, Gabriel KoLn, Wm. 
Schall. 

The Mechanics^ Savings, Loan and Building Association. 
Meet the fourth Wednesday in each month. Incorporated Au- 
gust, 1852; capital (500 shares) $64,850.00. President, Wm. 
Schall; Secretary, Wm. Rossiter; Treasurer, Wm. McDermot; 
Directors, Gabriel Kohn, J. B. Stokes, Thomas H. Wentz, 
John Matthias, William H. Slingluff, P. P. Dewees, Charles 
Earnest, W. T Koplin, Samuel sT Smith. 

Accommodation Saving Fund and Loan Association of 
Norristoum Meet in Odd Fellows' Hall, semi-monthly. In- 
corporated March 18, 1857. Capital $27,000.00, in process 
of liquidation. 55 stockholders ; $52 a share. President, 
David Sowers ; Secaetary, L. E. Corson ; Treasurer, John 
Heins ; Directors, Gabriel Kohn, William Zimmerman, John 
W. Loch, Stephen Bowden, F. P. Potts, Wm. McCann, Jacob 
Body, Charles White, Frederick Gilbert, Morgan Wright. 

The Montgomrry Savings, Loan and Building Association. 
Meet the third Tuesday of every month. Incorporated May 
26, 1852. Capital $67,000.00 President. John Potts ; Treas- 
urer, William n. Slingluff; Secretary, Jared Evans; Direc- 
tors, William Schall, Abraham Markly, Samuel Huston, Frank- 
lin Derr, Christopher Heebner, Jacob T. Moore, Daniel Long- 
aker, Thomas H. Wentz, P. P. Dewees. 



LINES OF TRAVEL. 

Stage Office Pennsylvania Fartners'' Hotel. — North side 
Egypt street, near Markley. — Stages for Sumneytown at ten 
o'clock, A. M., on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, via 
Centre Square, Skippackville, Lederachville and Salfordsville. 

For Millej'stown on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 
via Perkiomen, Zeiglersvilie, Green Lane, Pennsburg, Freich- 
lersville and Shennersville. 

For Poltstown on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, via 
Perkiomen Bridge, Trappe and Limerick. 

For Boyerstoivn on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 
via Perkiomen Bridge and Swamp. 



216 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

For Trappe daily (except Sundays) at 4 o'clock, P. M,, via 
Jeifersonville, Eagleville and Perkiomen Bridge, 

For PhcBnixville daily, (except Sundays) via SbannonYille, 
For Philadelphia on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 
at 1 o'clock, P, M, 

Railroads— V, N. & G. R. R. Station, Mill corner Washing- 
ton. Leave Philadelphia, 6,9,11.05, A. M.,1.05, 3.05,4^, 
5f, Hi, P. M. Leave Norristovvn, 6, 7, 9, II, A. M. , Ih, 4^, 
6, P. M. Sundays— LQ^ye Philadelphia, 9, A. M. , and 3. P. 
M. Leave Norristown, 7 A. M., and 5 P. M. 

Philadelphia, Reading and PottsvilleY\>2i\\vo2L(i Station, cor- 
ner Railroad and Depot streets, Bridgeport. — Trains for Phil- 
adelphia, leave at 8.20, A. M. , 12.08, noon, 6.47, P. M.— 
Trains for Reading and Pottsville, 8.20, A, M,, 4.19, P. M. , 
5.27, P. M,, Sundays — Leave for Philadelphia, at 12, noon — 
for Reading and Pottsville, 4.18, P, M, 

Chester Valley Railroad, for Downingtown, 8,30 A.M., 5.30 
P. M. Leave Downingtown 6,55 P. M, and 1 o'clock P. M, 

HOTELS. 

Montgomery Hotel, south side Egypt between DeKalb and 

Swede 
Varandah Hotel, north side Airy corner DeKalb 
Rambo House, west side Swede between Penn and Airy 
Farmers and Mechanics Hotel, 165 Egypt near Barbadocs 
Pennsylvania Farmers' Hotel, north side Egypt near Markky 
Norris City Hotel, North side Egypt opposite Mill 
Rail Road Hotel, corner DeKalb and Washington 
Washington Hotel, North side Egypt adjoining Public Square 
Exchange Hotel, corner of Washington and Mill 

HALLS. 

Odd Fellows' Hall, east side DeKalb below Egypt 
Hill's (or Airy street) Hall, north side Airy below Swede 
Meeh's Hall, south side Egypt below Swede 
Body's Hall, west side Arch above Egypt 
Millers' Hall, west side Green below Egypt. 



MARKET HOUSE. 

Norristown Market House, DeKalb above Airy to Marshall 
Eschbach Market House, corner Barbadoes and Penn 
Reiff's Market House, corner Marshall and DeKalb 

Market days, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturelay, eaily in the 
mornings. 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWN. ' 217 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

P. N. AND G. R. R — Depot brick, large and commodious, 
front portion over ticket offices and sitting rooms, two stories 
high, the upper part used as a dwelling, located Mill street cor- 
ner Washington. Main building includiiig car house, 400 feet 
long by G2 feet wide, length of car house 300 feet by 02 feet 
wide, platforms full length, two passenger and one freight, 
width of passenger platforms, five and eight feet, width of 
freight platforms twelve feet. Engine house on same lot, length 
100 feet width 52 feet, total cost of buildings and lot, $38,287.- 
60. Edmund A. Kite, Agent, James Smith, Jr., Assistant. 
Officers— President, Edward C. Dale, Philadelphia. Secretary 
and Treasurer, W. S. Wilson, Norristown. General Superin- 
tendent, H. K. Smith, Managers, Wm, H, Slingluff, Norris- 
town, George H, Johnson, Germantown, George W, Carpenter, 
Germantown, Joseph Perot, Philadelphia, William Masser, 
Philadelphia, Joseph Swift, Philadelphia, William Harmer, 
Philadelphia, Charles Ellis, Philadelphia, A, E, Dougherty, 
Philadelphia, C, Colket, Philadelphia, Samuel Jeancs, Phila- 
delphia, J. J, Woodward, West Philadelpia. 

Schuylkill Bridge. — Over the Schuylkill river, at foot of 
DeKalb street, connecting Norristown and Bridgeport boroughs. 
800 feet long, including abutments 1050 feet long. Capital 
stock, $29,000.80. Letters patent, 1827. Commenced to 
take toll January 9th, 1830. William LeBarrow, Builder and 
Contractor. Original President, Matthias Roberts ; Treasur- 
er, Joseph Thomas : Secretarj^, Thomas M, Jolly. Officers, 
A. D. 1859 : President, Abraham Marklej^ ; Secretary, Henry 
Freedley ; Treasurer, William H. Slingluff; Managers, Henry 
Freedley, John B. Adams, B. F. Hancock, John Boycr, Jamts 
Boyd, Perry M. Hunter; Tollman, Daniel Altemus. Four 
Trustees elected by stockholders and two appointed by County 
Commissioners. 

Montgoinery County Prison. — North side Airj^ street, above 
DeKalb. Building finished in '51. Builelers, Raysor & Tem- 
pleton ; Painter, Thomas Widdecombe ; County Commission- 
oner at time of building, Mcss'S. Cotts, Quilman and Major; 
Architect, N. LeBrun. Out side enclcsure 223i by 100 feet ; 
front on Airy s-reet 100 by 44 feet deep; cells extend back 
from front building 106 by 48 feet wide, two stories high; 40 
cells. Cost about*" $75,000. 

Montgomery County Court House. — East side Swede, be- 
low Penn and Airy str.e's. Architect^ N. LeBrun ; Budders, 
Raysor & Templeton ; Painter, Thomas Widdecombe ; Plas- 
ter, P. GiUinger. Buildina; 192 feet front, including wings 44 



218 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

by 66 feet ; court room 60 by 75 feet ; building contains coun- 
ty offices ; steeple 200 feet high from the ground, which con- 
tains clock and bell, the weight of which is 3,232 pounds ; cast 
at Troy, New York. Built of marble, quarried in Upper Mer- 
rion and White Marsh, Montgomery county. Cost $150,000. 

The Norristoum Gas Company. — Organized and chartered 
in 1852 ; capital |41,700 ; cost of works $40,000 ; gas intro- 
duced February, 1853. Commenced laying main pipe July 
20th, 1852, and to January, 1860, there were laid 1770 feet 8 
inch, 971 feet 6 inch, 8019 feet 4 inch, 9570 feet 3 inch, ma- 
king a total of 20,330 feet. 375 Meters in use January 1, 1860. 
President, Benjamin E. Chain. Secretary, Charles H. Garber. 
Treasurer, George Shannon. Superintendent, Abraham Mark- 
ley. Managers, B. E. Chain, William Schall, William H. Sling- 
lufF, B. F. Hancock, Henry Freedley, James Boyd, C. Heebner, 
D. Longaker, R. T. Stewart, Jacob Childs, Charles H. Stin- 
son, Abraham Markley, Samuel Husten. 

Norristown Insurance and Water Company. — Organized 
April 23, 1847, and chartered the same year. Capital stock 
paid in $80,000, which may be increased lo $150,000. Works 
cost $61,698.32. Water introduced December, 1847. Length 
and sizes of pipes laid in main — 1,240 feet ten inch, 8,229 feet 
eight inch, 4,985 feet six inch, 29,096 feet four inch, 1,591 feet 
three inch, and 633 feet two inch, making a total of 45,774 
feet. President, B. F. Hancock. Secretary, William McDer- 
mot. Treasurer, William H. Slingluff. Supervisor, Abraham 
Marklej'-. Superintendent, Samuel Griffith. Directors, B. F. 
Hancock, William H. Slingluif, Abraham Markley, D. Longa- 
ker, Christian Heebner, H. Freedk-y, S. Husten, J. Childs, R. 
F. Stewart, 

County Courts. — August Term, 3d Monday of August ; Feb- 
ruary Term, 4th Monday of February ; May Term, 3d Monday 
of May; November Term, 2d Monday of November. Each 
continue two weeks. Argument Court : 2d Wednesday in 
April, 3d Wednesday in June, last Wednesday in September, 
2d Monday in January. 

Telegraph Offices. — Samuel Brown's Jewelry Store, No. 5 
Union Buildings, Norristown ; and Reading Railroad Depot, 
Bridgeport. 

Norristown Base Ball Club. — Organized November, 1859. 
Play on Wednesday and Saturday on DeKalb street. Meet 
for business in F. Vancourt's office, on Egpyt street, the first 
Monday in each month. 27 members. Prescient, John Rob- 
erts ; Vice President, William S. Potts ; Secretary, B. F. Yan- 
court : Treasurer, Jacob Brooks. 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWN. * 219 

Borough Wharf. — Situated on Stony Creek, bel Eg:ypt 
street. Purchased from John Markley, 14:th May, A. D. 1814, 
"in trust, for the use of the inhabitants of the borough of Nor- 
ristown, for a public landing, under and subject to such rules 
and regulations as the Town Council, or their successors in 
ofiBce, may from time to time ordain and enact." Contains 
one acre and ninety-six perches. 

Moot Court — Held in argument court room, in the Court 
House. Organized January, 1857. Time of meeting, during 
the Winter only, (commence in November, close in April) on 
Monday evening of each week. 28 members. President Judge, 
Hon. D. M. Smyser; Prothonotary, C. F. Miller, Esq. 

Swedes'' Ford Bridge Company. — Incorporated in 1848; 
built in 1848-49-50. Cost over $30,000. The Chester Valley 
Railroad passes over this bridge, by means of which they have 
connection with the Norristown Railroad. President, D. Sower: 
Secretary, L. E. Corson ; Treasurer, Henry Freedley ; Mana- 
gers, Benj. B. Hughes, L. E. Corson, Henry Freedley, A. W. 
Supplee, William McCann, Levi Roberts, James Bush, Samuel 
Houpt, William B. Rambo, Gabriel Kohn. 

Number of Buildings in Norristown, as it ivas in the year 
1800. — Court House, offices and jail, 17 private dwellings, 3 
taverns, 2 lawyers' offices, store house, grist mill and dwelling, 
blacksmith shop, school house and printing office. Several of 
the above dwellings were log or frame, only one-story high, and 
none over two stories. One remains unaltered, two improved 
and enlarged, and all the others removed. 

Norristown Cornet Band. — Organized in 1840 ; incorpora- 
ted June 2d, 1855 ; 15 members ; 15 instruments. Meet in 
the third story of Montgomery Hose House, on Monday and 
Friday evenings of each week, for rehersal ; business meet- 
ings same place, first Monday evening of each month. Leader, 
George W. Arnold ; President, Wm. S. Rapine : Secretary, H. 
G. Arnold ; Treasurer, William Crawford ; Engagement Com_ 
mittee, George W. Arnold, J. Stahley, Jr., William Workiser. 

Dam at Norristown built 1828, by the Schuylkill Naviga- 
tion Company, assisted by private enterprise. Breast 8 feet 
high ; 880 feet wide, from shore to shore. 

^^Odd Fellows' Hall Association, of the borough of Norris- 
town, county of Montgomery." Incorporated March 12th, 
1849. Hall built in 1850 ; cost $20,000. Located east side 
DeKalb street, below Egypt. President, Daniel Longaker; 
Secretary, Henry C. Hill; Treasurer, Wm. H. Slingluff; Trus- 
tees, Daniel Longaker, Christian Heebner, Franklin Derr, Ga- 
breil Kohn, Thomas H. Wentz. 



220 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

List of the Officers of Montgomery County, from 

its Organization to the Present Time. 

By an Act of Assembly passed September, 1784, Montgomery 
county was erected out of Philadelphia county, and her ofBces 
were tilled according to a plan of the Government, adopted by 
a convention held at Philadelphia in 1776. By this plan the 
Judges of the Courts were appointed for seven years, by the 
President of the Supreme Executive Council, or in his absence, 
by the Vice President. The Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, 
Recorder and Register, were appointed in the same manner. 
In September, 1790, the constitution of the State was formed, 
vesting in the Governor, the appointment of these officers ; the 
judges to hold their office during good behavior. The office of 
sherifl' was made elective as at present. In 1838, under the 
amended constitution all the county officers, except Judges, 
were made elective, the term being three years. The Judges 
were appointed for ten years. By an act of April 15, 1851, 
the judiciary was made elective, the term being the same. 

The following have filled the several offices of the county, 
from its erection to the present time; 

President Judges. — Frederick A. Muhlenburg, presided 
from 1784 to 1785. 

James Morris, from 1785 to 1789. 

James Biddle, from 1791 to 1797. 

John D. Coxe, from 1797 to 1805. 

William Tilghman, from 1805 to 1806. 

Bird Wilson, from 1806 to 1818. 

John Ross, from 1818 to 1830, 

John Fox, from 1830 to 1841. 

Thomas Burnside, from 1841 to 1845. 

David Krause, from 1845 to 1851. 

Daniel M. Smyser, from 1851, elected under the amendment 
to the constitution of 1838. 

Associate Judges. — John Richards, appointed November 
1st, 1784, by J. Dickinson. 

James Morris, appointed September, 29, 1784, by James 
Ewing. 

Thomas Craig, appointed September 10, 1784, by J. Dick- 
inson. 

Henry Scheets, appointed December 10. 1784, by James 
Ewing. 

Peter Evans, appointed December 17, 1784, by James Ervine. 

James Morris, appointed July 26, 1785, by J. Dickinson. 

Christian Weber, appointed November 7, 1786, by Charles 
Biddle. 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWN. 221 

Charles Baird, appointed February 15, 1787, by Charles 
Biddle. 

Jonathan Shoemaker, appointed September 25, 1787, by 
Charles Biddle. 

John Jones, appointed November 15, 1787, by Benjamin 
Franklin. 

Henry Pauling*, appointed January 20, 1789, by George Ross. 

Anthony Crothers, appointed February 7, 1789, by Thomas 
Mifflin. 

Robert LoUer, appointed September 25, 1789, by Thomas 
Mifflin. 

The above were appointed by the President of the Executive 
Council. In 1790, by alteration of the constitution, the ap- 
pointing power having been vested in the Governor, the follow- 
ing were thus appointed. 

Samuel Potts, appointed August 17, 1791, by Thomas Mifflin. 

Benjamin Rittenhouse, appointed August 17, 1791, by 
Thomas Mifflin. 

Benjamin Markley, appointed August 17, 1791, by Thomas 
Mifflin. 

Robert LoUer, appointed August 17, 1791, by Thomas 
Mifflin. 

John Jones, appointed July 16, 1793, by Thomas Mifflin. 

Richard B, Jones, appointed August 30, 1822, by Joseph 
Heister. 

Thomas Lowry, appointed January 8, 1824, by J. A. Shultz. 

Joseph Royer, appointed May 10, 1837, by Joseph Ritner. 

Morris Longstreth, appointed March 15, 1841, by David R. 
Porter. 

Josiah W. Evans, appointed April 14, 1843, by David R. 
Porter. 

Ephraim Fenton, appointed Feb. 15, 1848, by Francis R. 
Shunk. 

Josiah W. Evans, appointed April 14, 1848, by Francis R. 
Shunk. 

Joseph Hunsicker, appointed April 6, 1849, by William F. 
Johnston. 

Henry Longaker and Josiah "W. Evans, were elected by the 
people under the amendment of the constitution, in October, ^ 
1851, receiving their commissions on the 16th November of' 
that year. 

Sheriff. — Elected by the people, and commissioned by Ex- 
ecutive Council. 

Zebulon Potts, elected October 14, 1784, re-elected October 
15, 1785 ; commissioned by John Dickinson. Elected a third 
time, Otcober 17, 1786 ; commissioned by Charles Biddle. 



222 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Francis Swain, elected, Oct. 1787 ; commissioned by Benj. 
Franklin October 12. Re-elected October 1788 ; commission- 
ed by David Reidick, October 16. Elected a third time October 
1789 ; commissioned by George Ross, October 17. 

Henry Kooken, elected October 1790 ; commissioned by 
Thomas Mifflin, October 15. 

Under the amended Constitution of 1790, the Sheriff's term 
of office having been extended to three years, the following 
have been elected. 

Nathan Pawling, 1793, commissioned by Thomas Mifflin Octo- 
ber 19. Mr. Pawling dying whilst in office, Isaiah Wells was 
appointed by Governor Mifflin April 8, 1795, to fill the resi- 
due of the term. 

John Pugh, elected 1795, commissioned by Thomas Mifflin, 
October 20. 

JohnMarkley, elected 1798, commissioned by Thomas Mifflin, 
October 15. 

Isaiah "Wells, elected 1801, commissioned by Thomas Mc- 
Kean, October 27. 

William Henderson, elected 1804, commissioned by Thomas 
McKean, October 24. 

David Dewees, elected 1807, commissioned by Thomas Mc- 
Kean, Oct 27. 

Isaiah Wells elected 1810, commissioned by Simon Snyder, 
October 25. 

Thomas Lowry, elected 1813, commissioned by Simon 
Snyder, October 29. 

Justice Sheetz, elected 1816, commissioned by Simon Snyder 
November 4. 

Philip Sellers, elected 1819, commissioned by WiUiam Find- 
lay, November 11. 

Philip Boyer, elected 1822, commissioned by Joseph Heister, 
November 28. 

Christian Snyder, elected 1825, commissioned by J. Andrew 
Shultz, November 11. 

Jones Davis, elected 1828, commissioned by J. Andrew 
Shultz, November 11. 

Henry Longaker, elected 1831, commissioned by Geo. Wolf, 
November 10. 

John Todd, elected 1834, commissioned by George Wolf, 
October 27 

Ardemus Stewart, elected 1837, commissioned by Joseph 
Ritner, October 23 

Jacob Spong, elected 1840, commissioned by David R. Porter, 
November 14 

James Wells, elected 1843, commisioned by David R. Porter, 
Noyember 2 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWN. 223 

John Boyer, elected 1846, commissioned by Francis R. 
Shunk, October 26 

Philip Hahn, elected 1849, commissioned by William F. 
Johnston, October 25 

M. 0. Boyer, elected 1852, commissoned by William Bigler, 
November 10 

Samuel D. Rudy, elected 1855, commissioned by Governor 
Pollock, in November 

John M, StaufFer, elected 1850, commissioned by Governor 
Packer, in November 

Prothonotart. — Thomas Craig, appointed under Executive 
Council September 10, 1784, by J. Dickinson, re-appointed 
July 11, 1791, by Thomas Mifflin 

William R, Atlee, appointed March 5, 1799, by Thomas 
Mifflin, governor under constitution of 1790 

Francis Swain, appointed January 6, 1800, by Thomas Mc- 
Kean 

Philip Hahn, appointed Jan. 21, 1809, by Simon Snyder. 

Wm, Povrell, appointed March 25, I8I8, by Wm. Findlay. 

Frederick Conrad, appointed Feb, 7, I82I, by Joseph Heis^ 
ter — re-appointed Jan. 8, 1824, by J. A. Shultz, 

Thomas Lowiy, appointed Dec. 21, 1826, by J. A, Shultz. 

Jacob Fry, appointed Feb. 12, 1830, by George Wolf. 

Adam Slemmer, appointed April I, 1833, by George Wolf. 

John Bean, appointed Jan. 28, 1836, by Joseph Ritner. 

JosiahW. Evans, appointed Feb. 7, 1839, by David R. Por- 
ter. 

Josiah W. Evans, elected in 1839, under the amended con- 
stitution of 1838; commissioned by David R. Porter, Nov. 14. 

Jones Davis elected in 1842, commissioned by D. R. Porter . 
Oct 12. 

Mehelm M'Glathery, elected in 1845, commissioned by F. 
R. Shunk, Nov. 17 

J. B. Evans elected in 1848, commissioned by "Wm. F.John- 
ston, Nov. 25. 

N. Jacoby, elected in 1851, commissioned by "Wm. F. John- 
ston, Nov. 22. 

Bowyer Brooke, elected in 1854, commissioned by "Wm. Bigler, 
Nov. 13. 

Florence Sullivan, elected 1857, commissioned by Gov. Pol- 
lock, Nov. 14th. 

Clerk op Courts. — Thomas Craig appointed under Executive 
Council, Sep. 11, 1784, by James Ewing, re-appointed July 11, 
1791, by Thomas Mifflin; anda third time March 14, 1792, by the 
same. 

Wm. R. Atlee, appointed March 5, 1799, by Thos. Mifflin, gov- 
erner under constitution of 1790. 



224 NORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

Francis Swain, appointed Jan. 6, 1800,by Tlios. McKean. 

Philip Hahn, appointed Jan. 21, 1809, by Simon Snyder. 

Wm. Powell, appointed March 25, 1818, by Wm. Findlay. 

Frederick Conrad, appointed Feb. 7, 1821, by Joseph Heister, 

Thos. Lowry, appointed Jan. 8, 1824, by J. A. Shultz; re-ap- 
pointed Dec. 21, by the same. 

Jacob Fry appointed Feb. 12, 1830, by George Wolf. 

John H. Scheetz, Feb. 23, 1830, by Geo. Wolf- 

Benj. Johnson, appointed Jan. 28, 1836, by Joseph Ritner. 

Geo. H. Pawling, appointed Feb. 17, 1839, by D. E. Porter. 

Geo. H. Pawling, was elected in 1839, and commissioned by D. 
K. Porter, November 14th of the same year. 

Wm. Rossiter was elected in 1842, and commissioned by D. R. 
Porter, Nov. 12th of the same year. 

John McNair was elected in 1845, and commissioned by F. R. 
Shunk, on the 17th of November, of the same year. 

Andrew H. Tippin was elected in 1848, and commissioned by 
Wm. F. Johnston, on the 25th of November, of the same year- 
Washington Richards was elected in 1851, and commissioned by 
Wm. F. Johnston on the 22d of November, of the same year. 

Jesse B. Davis was elected in 1854, and commissioned by Wm. 
Bigler on Nov. 12th, of same year. 

E. B.Moore was elected in 1857, and commissioned by James 
R. Pollock, on Nov. 13th of same year. 

Recorder. — Appointed by Executive Council. 

Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg was appointed on the 21st of 
September, 1784, by James Ewing. 

Robert Loller was appointed on the 10th of September, 1789, 
by Thomas Mifflin. 

Appointed by the Governor. 

Robert Loller was appointed on the 14th of September, 1790. 
by Thomas Mifflin. 

James Morris was appointed on the 24th of June, 1791, by 
Thomas Mifflin. 

Thomas Graig was appointed on the 8th of August, 1795, by 
Thomas Mifflin. 

William R. Atlee was appointed on the 5th of March, 1799, by 
Thomas Mifflin. 

Thomas Potts was appointed on the 6th of January, 1800, by 
Thomas McKean. 

Archibald Darrah was appointed on the 21st of January, 1809, 
by Simon Snyder. 

George Wack was appointed on the 25th of January, 1818, by 
Wilham Findlay. 

Jesse Roberts was appointed on the 7th of January, 1821, by 
Joseph Heister. 

Jacob Hubley was appointed on the 21st of November, 1822, 
by Joseph Heister. 

John Markley was appointed on the 8th of January, 1824, by 
J. A. Shultz. 



STATISTICS OF NORRISTOWN. 225 

John Markley was appointed on the 21st of December, 1826, 
by J. A. ShuUz. 

Wilham Powell was appointed on the 12th of February, lb30, 
by George Wolf. 

S. D. Patterson was appointed on the 23d of February, 1833, 
by George Wolf. -.oo^ v 

James Wells was appointed on the 11th of June, 1834, by 
George Wolf, 

Robert Iredell was appointed on the 28th of January, 1836, by 
Joseph Ritner. 

Tobias Sellers was appointed on the 17th of February, 1839, 
by D. R. Porter. 

Elected by the People and commissioned by the Governor. 

Tobias Sellers was elected in 1839, and commissioned by D. R. 
Porter, on the 14th of November of the same year. 

Daniel Fry was elected in 1842, and commissiohed by D. K. 
Porter on the 12th of JSTovember of the same year. 

Henry Drake was elected in 1845, and commissioned by F. R. 
Shunk, on the 17th of ^ ovember of the same year. 

H. G. Hart was elected in 1848, and commissioned by William 
F. Johnston, on the 25th of November of the same year. 

R. B. Longaker was elected in 1851, and commissioned by W. 
F. Johnston on the 22d of November of the same year. 

George Lower was elected in 1854, and commissioned by Wm. 
Bigler on the 12th of November of the same year. 

TTilliam H. Hill was elected in 1854, and commissioned by Jas. 
Pollock on the 13th of November of the same year. 

Register. — Appointed by Executive Council. 

Thomas Ewing appointed Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, 21st 
day of September, 1784. 

Robert LoUer appointed 10th day of September, 1789, by 
Thomas Mifflin ; was re-appointed 4th day of September, 1790 by 
same. 

.Appointed by the Governor. 

James Morris, appointed 4th June, 1791, by Thomas Mifflin. 
Wm. Richardson Atlee oppointed5th of March, 1799, by Thomas 
Mifflin. 

Thomas Potts appointed 6th of January, 1800, by Thomas 
McKean. 

Archibald Darrah appointed 21st day of January, 1809, by 
Smon Snyder. 

George Wack appointed 25th of March, 1818, by William Find- 
lay. 

Jesse Roberts appointed 7th of February, 1821, by Thomas 
Heister. 

Jacob Hubley appointed 1st day of November, 1822, by John 
Heister. 

John Marklej- appointed 8th of January, 1824, by J. H. Shultz ; 
was re-appointed 24th of September, 1826, by same. 



226 KORRISTOWN AND BRIDGEPORT. 

William Powell appointed 12th of Februraj', 1830, by George 
Wolf; was re-appointed 23d of February, 1833, by same. 

Nathan B. Boileau appointed 28th of January, 1836, by Joseph 
Kitner. 

Elected by the People and Commissioned by the Governor. 

John Shearer elected in 1839, and commissioned 7th of Feb- 
ruary, same year, by D. R. Porter. 

William Earnest elected in 1842, and commissioned byD. E. 
Porter 12th of November, same year. 

B. F. Yost elected in 1845, and commissioned by F. R. Shunk, 
the 17th November, same year. 

William Fronefield elected in 1848, and commissioned by F. R. 
Shunk, the 25th of November, same year. 

John M. Jones elected in 1851, and commissioned by William 
F. Johnson 22d of November, same year. 

Isaac Schneider elected in 1854, and commissioned by Gov. 
Bigler November 12th, same year. 

Philip S. Gerhard elected in 1857, and commissioned by Gov. 
Pollock Nov. 13th, same year. 



BRIDGEPORT 



Bridgeport Baptist Church. — Constituted A. D. 1849; church 
organized A. D. 1850. Communicants, 136. Sabbath Services: 
Prayer Meeting, 9i- o'clock, A. M.; Regular Service, lOi o'clock, 
A. M. Prayer Meeting every Wednesday and Saturday evenings. 
Communion Service the first Sabbath of every month. Pastor, 
Rev. Charles J. Thompson. Deacons, B. F. Hancock, Eli G. 
McCarter. Trustees, B. F. Hancock, William Swan, Eli G. 
McCarter, Sylvester Makens, H. E. JSTewberry. Two Sabbath 
Schools ; hold their sessions on Sunday afternoons, at 2 o'clock ; 
200 pupils. Superintendents, William Swan and B. F. Hancock. 

Public School. — The public school house of Bridgeport is situ- 
ated on the south east corner of DeKalband Sixth streets. Built 
in 1857 of brick, two stories in height, fifty feet square, with a 
cupola; there are two rooms upon each floor, and a commodious 
basement. The schools are divided into three departments, gram- 
mer, secondary and primary. The grammar department is taught 
by Joseph P. Rossiter; the secondary department by Rebecca L. 
Bolton ; the primary, by Eliza R. White. No. of pupils in gram- 
mar department 24 males, and 25 females. Number of pupils in 
secondary department, 4 males and 66 females. Primary depart- 
ment, 52 males. Salaries, male teachers $35 per month, female 
teachers $20 pe" month ; school term 10 months. Tax levied iu 
1859, $2460, value of school property, $12000. School Directors 
— Eli G. McCarter, President; Dr. George W. Holstein, Secretary; 
William Keiger, Jesse W. Ramsey, John Richards, Charles Murray. 

Borough Officers, ^c. — The regular meetings of the Borough 
Council are held on the last Saturday of each month, at the Evans 
House, at 7i o'clock, P. M. Bonded debt of the borough, $3,- 
668.00. Amount real estate, &c., taxable, $250,000. Amount 
of tax for borough purposes, $11,000. Number of taxables, 250. 
Number of voters, 180. Burgess, Francis Mulvany. Council, 
Charles L. Corman, Jacob L. Hallman, John Ogden, George S. 
Patterson, Owen Raysor. Clerk, John B. Buzby. Treasurer, 
Charles L. Corman. Street and Road Commissioner, John Ogden. 
Committee on Ways and Means, John Ogden and G. S. Patterson. 
Committee on Accounts, Corman, Raysor and Patterson. Com- 
mittee on Finance, Hallman and Patterson. 

Minerva. Mill. — Fourth street, between Lock and Vine. Paul 
Thurlow & Son, proprietors. Built by Body & Jacobs in 1854/ 
2,300 spindles ; 100 looms. Engine 45 horse power, built in 1854, 
by Corson & West, Norristown, Pa. Superintendent, Christo- 
pher Blount, 



228 NORRISTOWN AND RRIDGEPORT. 

Bridgeport Post Office. — DeKalb street, near Bridge* 
Postmaster, E. B. Bickdl. Arrival of Mails : From Phila- 
delphia, 8i A. M.; from Norristown, 114 A. M.; from Reading 
12 M. Departures : To Reading, 8 A. M.: to Norristown, 9 A. 
M.; to Philadelphia, Hi A. M. 

Bridgeport Lyceum. — President, P. M. Hunter; Secretary, G. 
W. Bush. Organized in 1851, meet every Friday evening in base- 
ment of the public school building. 

Steam Planing Mill and Sash Factory — Front street, helow 
Depot. Isaac Ramsay, proprietor. Built by Raysor & Temple- 
ton, 1852. Engine 20 horse power, built by Hugh McCallum. 

Beaver's Flour Mill — Samuel Beaver, Jr., proprietor. Built 
by Mr. Beaver in 1856. Run two stone. Capacity 20 horse power. 

Heebner's Flour Mill. — Christian Heebner, proprietor. Built in 
1826. Mill 55 by 65 feet. Run three stones. Wheel 12 feet 
high and 16 feet wide. Capacity, 100 barrels daily. 

Bridgeport Cotton Factory. — Front street, below Depot. John 
Ogden, proprietor. Built and put in operation in 1858. Run 94 
looms; 2308 spindles. Employ 85 operatives (30 males and 55 
females.) Steam engine 60 horse power, built by James T. Sut- 
ton& Co., A.D. 1853. 

Philadelphia, Pottsville and Reading Railroad Depot Built in 

1838, by John VVilhams ; 80 feet long by 30 leet wide. Thomas 
H. Wilson, agent. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



JOHN W. CHRISTMAN, 

DEALER IX 

COAL, WOOD, GUANO, 

And Super-Phosphate of Lime» 

All the Latest IiTiproved. 
MOWI]\G AMD REAPII^G MACIII]¥ES, 

Horse and Dog Power Threshing Machines, Lime and Guano Spreaders, Plot's, 
Cultivators, Grain Fans, Corn Shellers, Cider Mills and Presses, Farm Mills, 
"Washing Machines, Churns, Pumps, Clover Hullers, Ilay, Straw, and Fodder 
Cutters, Lard Presses, Meat Cutters and Stuffers, 

Terra Cotta Heating Pipes and Water Drains, Calcined Plaster, Cement, Hair ^ 
Sand, Sieves and Screens, Wire-work, Bows and Shafts, Horse and Hand 
Rakes, Forks, Shovels, Root Cutters, Apparatus for Steaming Feed, &c,; 

And all Hardware used by Farmers. 

Willoughhy's Grain Drills, 'Pennock's Iron Harvesters, 

Allen's Improved Mower and Reaper, B Mower and Reaper, 

Pratt's Steel-tooth Horse Rake, Lessig Lever Rake, 

Male's Convertible Cider Mill and Hickok's Cider Mill, 

Corn Sheller, Bamborough Grain Fans, 

Darling's and other Horse Powers, Blaker's Bucks County Plowsy 

Hoosier State Plows, Side Hill Plows, &c., &e. 

"Wholesale and Retail Agent fer 

WILLSOX'S TELEGRAPH HAY AID FODDER CUTTER, 

THE BEST IN THE MARKET. 

CUMMINGS' HAY AND STKAW CUTTEES. 

BAUGH-S PHOSPHATE OF LIME. 

No. 1 PERUVIAN GUANO, and other good Manures and Fertilizers, 

POUDEETTE AND BONEDUST. 

Also, Manufacturer of 

Hoffer's U. S. Roller Washing Machine. 

Garden Seeds put up under my own directions. 

All to be had of the subscriber, at the 

"Montgomery County Agricultural Store." 

UT^Anj- of the above Machines will ba given on trial, and not proving 
Batisiactory, will be redeemed. 

Very Respectfully, 

JOHN W. CHRISTMAS, 
No. 156 Egypt (or I>Sain) Street, 



JOHN McCOY, 

NO. 93 MAIN STREET, 

:sroRiiisTo^v\^is^, p^. 

^as mi ^tmn §\\m d all ^m^, 

Valves, Cocks and Fittings of all descriptions, at 
MANUFACTUEERS^ PRICES. 

Gas Fixtures, Chandeliers, Pendants, 

BEACKETS, &c., &c. 

iiLi'i STE^ili Mi^TEB. 



for 



WARIfliryG DWELLINGS 

AND ALL KINDS OF BUILDINGS. 

f illlilE ill Willi 

FOR PEiVATE HOUSES, SCHOOLS, MANU- 
FACTORIES AND HOTELS. 

Ml luork done with despatch.. 



FASIIDIBLS CLDTHIi HOSE. 

No. 226 Egypt or Main St.^ above DeKalb St., 

A choice assortment of Cloths, Cassimeres and Yes- 
tings, which will be made to order, at short no- 
tice, on favorable terms, and with great care. 

SAMUEL SCHEETZ, 

i§AfB ■ASia^ 

EGYPT, ABOVE BARBADOES STREET, 

NORRISTOWN, PA, 

B^°" Repairing punctually attended to. .^^^ 

B. F. SOLLY, 

BOOT il SHeS MMFMT08Y. 

JsO. 200 EGYPT (OR MAIN) STJiEBT, 

o Would respectfully call the attention 

of the citizens of the Borough and the 
public generally, to his Stock of 




tlMTERS, 



MADE BY EXPERIENCED WORKMEN, 

With great care, superintended wholly by himself, consisting of 

Quilted, Stitched, Sewed & Pegged Boots. 

Gaiters and Shoes of all kinds, 

5 



Call, exaiMliietlie C^oods and leaBii tlie Prices. 




HEIEY BAINBEIBGE'S 

BOOT, SHOE, mm, MB Till 

MANUFxVGTORY, 

Next door to the Montgomery House, 

The subscriber having added to his 
extensive store, a factory for the man- 
ufacture of Boots, Shoes and Gaiters 
he is fulljr prepared to offer them to a 
discriminating i^ublic at very 

Low Prices for Cash, 

As I am more than ever determinei tc 
make it an object to the cash buyer so 
that he will not have to pay for hi 
neighbor that buys on credit 
For the ladies I have an endless variety of Gaiter Boots, Kid, Mo 
rocco and Leather Boots, Slippers, &c., with or -without heels. For 
the gents I have Patent Leather and Calf Gaiter Boots, Shoes, and 
Pumps and for the children an endless variety of Boots, Shoes, Gaiter 
Ankle Ties, &c., too numerous to mention. 

ALL THE MEW STYLES OF SHOES AND GAITERS 

As soon as they are out. This is also the depot for GOODYEAR' S 
GUM SHOES, a full assortment of all kinds. 

Gent's Gaiter Boots, from $2.00 to $5.00 

" Shoes " 1.00 " 4.00 

" Boots, " 1.75 " 8 00 

Ladies' Gaiter Boots, " 1.00 " 2.00 

«' " " with heels 150 " 3 00 

<< Kid and Morocco Boots 1.00 " 1.37 

<< " " " with heels 1.25 " 1.75 

'< «< " Slippers 50 " 1.00 

" <« " " with heels.. 1.00 " 1.75 

Boys' Shoes and Gaiters 75 '< 2 50 

Children's and Misses' Shoes, from 40 cts. to any price. 

[nr TRUNKS from $1.00 to $10.00. 

TO THE TRADE.— I have a full assortment of Ladies', Gen- 
tlemen's and Children's Gaiter Boots. Morocco Boots and Slipper 
Uppers ready for the last. Also, Boots, Shoes, and Goiters by the 
case, or single dozen, at a small advance above cost. 

IXIr" Measured Work promptly attended to by comoetent workmen. 

REPAIRING done neatly and promptly. 

Don't forget the place, No. 190 Main Street, next door 
to the Montgomery House, Norristown, Pa. 

HENRY EAINBRIDGE. 



Cliildrea's Boots.. Slioes, and Gaiters. 

6 



MAJOR ^ CORSON, 

littiii 4 tii iitiiEi 

AND DEALEHS IN MEATS, CHEESE, &c. 
Ko. 217 Egypt St., Norristown, Pa. 



Fresh supi ly of goods always on hand at city pricc.9. 

N. B.— Goods delivered to any part of this Borough or Bridgeport, gratis. 

EOBFET E, TAYLOR, 

MT. CAP Ai FOB BMPOBIUM. 

No. 234 Egypt (or Main) St., Nonistown, Pa. 

Will furnish all articles in his line at as 

REASONABLE PRICES AS ANY STORE IN TOWN. 

M^" Bufialo and Fancy Robes on hand, .^^^^gf 



Cabinet Slalier & Siikrlaher, 

NO. 81 EGYPT (OB MAIN) ST., 



^J^:^- Bureaus, Whatnots, Hat Racks, 

^^"^^ mmim ulmses, 

^^^^- BEGEPf iOi CHiiiS, 

UNDERTAKING and UPHOLSTERING attended to at short 
notice — teems eeasokable I DC?" Give him a call ! ^yj} 

7 ^ 





J^. ysT, 3BERTOLET, 

"Wholesale and Retail Dealer in 

AN53 OliD 

„^^ Monoiigaliela Whiskey. 

ALWAYS ON HAND, A LARGE STOCK OF 

Fimsmi EICMEII WiM. 

Wiiich will be sold very reasonable, at 
IDO'O- 1@0 E1^"^:E*^I? (or Main) ^^XP., 

■ LYMAN B. MEYERSOFS 



At the old Stand of Abraham Freiday, next door 
to F. D. Sower's Book Store, 

KTOa ^^^ iMSCSh'^^^T (or Main) ^^„, 

-=s-=^^^^^s==- Alwavs on hand, a lars-e assort- 
P^^^-^^ - Inent of E^ady-made 

GENTLEMEN'S AND BOYS' 

W^^y I V' 1 ^ [^ CLOTHING MADE TO OEDER 

■=61^ U ^-^ AT SHORT XOTICE. 

L. B. MEYEEBON, L. B. MEYEESOI^^ 

President. Cashier. 

8 



REALESTITE BROKER &CONVMM()ER. 

On good Mortgages and Collaterals at short dates. 

OFFICE — EGYPT (OE MAIN) STREET, 

J. F. HARTRANFT, 

ftBffiimafia, 

NOERISTOWN, PA. 
BRIEF OF TITLES AND SEARCHES MADE. 

Drafts and other claims Collected. Eeal Estate & Stocks bought 

and sold. HF' Money loaned on good first Mortgages. ^^^£;j] 
N. B. — All business sent by mail will meet with prompt attention. 

D. H. STEIN, 

WATCH MAOK M JEWELEE, 

NO, 204 EGYPT OR MAIN STREET, 



otooicst warcHEet 

, JEWELRY, &c, 

^ All of wliicli will be sold at the 
__ LOWEST CASH PRICES. 

N. B. — A choice assortment of American Gold and Silver Lever 
WATCHES ALWAYS ON HAND. 

9 




mA%, mA% 



STEPHENS <fe EE^D 

Having purchased the COAL AND WOOD YARD, at the 

Corner of DeKalb and ^WasMngton Streets, 

(Opposite tlie Old Railroad Depot) 

Have now on hand a supply of the BEST QUALITIES of 

COAL FOE FAMILY USE, 

WHICH THEY WILL SELL AT 

The lowest Market Prices for Cash, 

Thej^ have also the Justly Celebrated 

moKn m zmmmnz mu 

The very best article in the market for Blacksmiths' use. 

iiwtif ai§ %m w%m 

By the Cord, or prepared to order. 

Wood taken in Exchange for Coal. 

THIS YARD BEING LARGE, 

From the country, than any other in the Borough. 

IIAYII^C^ EXFEMIE]\^€E I]¥ TISE BUSIIVESS, 

And possessing advantages not often enjoyed by dealers, we re- 
spectfully ask a share of public patronage. 
N. B. — Coal by the car or cargo. 

ABIJAH STEPHENS 
JOSEPH C. READ. 

10 



TAKE NOTICE! 



t'wws. sua 

IN CELLAR, 



FAMILIES SUPPLIED 

With the best and freshest Oysters, upon the 
most reasonable terms. 

B. KOHLER, 

MS MS FiSY SIM B:1MS 




FDCOT BOOK 



Euglish and G-ermau Books, Blank Books, Stationery, Pictures, 
Gilt Frames, &c. 

No. 36 East Egypt Street, 3 doors below Green, 
NOEEISTOW^PA. 

Maps, Plans, Pictures, Show Cases, &c.. Mounted and Varnished. 
HOMCEOPATHIC BOOKS AND MEDICINES 

0^ CONSTANTLY ON HAND. .=^ 



AND GENTLEMEN'S FURNISHING STORE, 

No. 212 Egypt (or Main) Street, 

NORRISTOWN, PENNA. 
DCT" A good assortment of Clothing always on hand. .^Ca 

Customer Work done to order and carefully attended to. 
GENTLEMEN'S LINNEN 

MADE TO ORDER, ALWAYS MANUFACTURED IN THE BOROUGH. 

MALCOM LINDSAY^ 

Blacksmith & Horseslioeing Establisliment 

EGYPT (OR MAIN,) ABOVE BARBADOES ST., 

NOEEISTOWN, PA. 

JOBBIIVG SOLICITEO & NEATI.Y BOUHB. 

This is the place to get your Shoeing done well — by experienced 

Workmen. 



m' 



HAERISOM EYAHS 

Informs his friends and the public that 
he has taken the Ware Rooms, 

Nos. 89 & 91 

EGYPT or MAIN STREET. 

Where he has on hand a large and su- 
perior Stock of Furniture, of his 
own make. 

Has had many years experience as a practical workman in his line, 
and superintends the Avork himself. 

All articles made of the best Materials. 
WORK MADE to ORDER at SHORT XOTICE, 

AND WARRANTED TO GIVE SATISFACTION. 

1 




JOMA8 A, MEIFF, 

DEALER IN" 

ciii Hi mmm 

K, W. Cor. Swede & Airy Streets, 
A WELL SELECTED STOCK ALWAYS ON HAND. 

Bought and Sold, 07' Exchanged for Goods. 

GEOEGE AMEY, 






niri 



SOLD ON THE MOST REASONABLE TERMS, 

AT 74 EG-YPT STREET, 



FAMILIES SUPPLIED WITH COAL 

OF THE ¥EIl¥ BEST, 

M?id well Selected — at fail' Prices. ,,,^^ 

13 



THE 



NORRISTOWN HERALD 

ANJD 



P 



'f--^<i:^e. 



1^ 



ilLlii^f if ii¥ f yiiPM 
At $2.00 Per Annum, 



AND PROMPTNESS. 
14 



ELIAS NACE, 






i^j 






Ho. 188 Egypt Street, below Barbadoes Street, 

Cooked in the best styles. Particular cai-e paid in the 
serving of Oysters, to make them suit the taste 

of all. Parties, Balls and Weddings 
SERVED ON REASONABLE TERMS. 

Restaurant unhr §^eb ^Parliet, 

COR. DEKALB &, MARSHALL STREETS, 
NORRISTOWN, PA. 




Having opened the large and 

SPLENDID SILOON 



ABOVE XAMED AND LOCATED, 
he is prepared to furnish everj^ thing 
^ in his line, in the best and most 
modern style. This is the fi- 
nest place of the kind in 
Montgomery County, and he hopes to have a share of the public 
patronage. Weddings, Parties & Balls attended to at short notice 
and with great care, and on easy terras. 

15 



AMOS EVANS' 



(under odd fellow's hall,) 

ti!l©{ES[!Sir®W[ia, [P10Sli\., 

Is the place to get every article in his line Cooked and prepared 
in the very best style and at fair prices. 

ov0TEae hmhn fmzn ^ mt; 

Special care taken in Furnishing 

iALLS, PUKfiES MB fmiMU, 

TRY ME ! TRY ME ! ! TRY ME ! ! ! 

JOHty POTTS, 

YARDj Cor. Lafayette & Water Streets, 

(ON STONY CREEK,) 

NORRISTOWN, PENNA. 

THIE BEST (SXJ^>lLITIES OE "^ 

Egg, Stove & Chestnut Coal 

At the lowest CASH prices, always on hand. 

SCANTLING, PLANK, 

Poof & Plastcrino' Latli, Pickets, Shaved & Sawed 

PINE AND CYPRESS SHINGLES. 

The above are all purchased lor Cash, and sold at very small ad' 
vance only, for Cash. 

16 



VAMii HOTEL, 

N. W. Corner Airy&DeKalb St., 

(OPPOSITE MARKET HOUSE,) 

Norristown, Montgoinery County, Pa. 



TO ACCOMMODATE 

LARGE AMOUNT OF 

^^ iffi^i i^h2 ';mm h© 'Ml r^y ^^r^ 
FOR SHIELDING VEHICLES FROM STORMS, 

OAREFUT. AND 

EXPERIENCED OSTLERS. 

AND WELL VENTILATED. 

The Table Supplied with the best the Market will 
afford — and the Bar with the 

JACOB QUILLIAN, Proprietor. 

17 



A. M'CARTER & BRO'S 



llfi 



IRON FOOIDRY 



AND 



MACHINE SHOP, 

Cor. Washington & Strawberry Sts., 
NORMSTOWN, PA. 

0team ^ngiiua # ioileva, 



'i^MmaSsis 



MACHINERY. 

ALL iCliiS ©r i^STlUgS 

S3r> MADE TO ORDER. ..g^ 

18 



CROLL & BERGEY, 

(Successors to D. H. Major,) 



Cor. Swede & Penn Sts., 

(OPPOSITE COURT HOUSE,) 



mmm \^mM^ ^}ib®mm®m®m 

WILL ¥i'l«f ILATiij 

«ttl itAl£IB« 

AND 



flBLE WELL SUPPLIED, 

"mm, ^%vm^ m 

Liquors and Hegars. 

19 



WM. SWAN'S 

is#» w§wmwM% 

Comer Rambo & Depot Streets, 

(Above Reading Railroad Station) 

Where he is prepared to make all kinds of 

To order, on the most reasonable terms. 
Particular attention paid to the manufacture of 

Threshing & Mowing Machine Castings, 
^tan #t'at(^, §hU^ and ^jjtindfvisi, 

SASH WEIGHTS, ETC. 

JOBBING OF ALL KINDS 

Attended to, and warranted to give full satisfaction- 
I^^GIYE HIM A CALL. 

Castings Furnished at from U to 5 cts. per lb. 
20 



JOHN TAYLOR, 

^ a ra cm ^^r to gE mi W ? 

West side DeKalhy opposite Odd Fellows' Hall, 



Is now ready to furnish to his customers and the pub- 
lic generally, anything in his line, of tlie very 
best, cooked and prepared in "tip top" style 
and warranted to suit the palate of all. 

PARTICULAR ATTENTION PAID TO BALLS, 
PARTIES, WEDDINGS, FAMILIES, &c. 

CALL AND SEE HIM. 

CHRISTIAN MEEH'S 

GOSPECTIOSERV flNO BflKESY, 

(Opposite Public Square) 

NORRISTOWN, PENN'A, 

Where will be found a fresh 
supply of 

: CANDIES & CAKES 

^s<' t Wholesale and Eetail, of his 
^5^^^^^" own manufacture. 

STOREKEEPERS AND OTHERS WILL FIND THAT 
HE AIRWAYS SEL.I.S AT CITY PRICES. 

D::y='Balls and Parties supplied at the shortest notice, and on 
the most reasonable terms. 

ICE CREAM, WATER ICES, A^D JELLIES 

Made to order, and constantly kept on hand in their season. 

ClimSTIA]^ MEEH. 

21 




M. B. KITTEM, 
Odd Fellows' Hall, Norristown, Pa. 

Manufacturer of and Wholesale and Retail Dealer in 

IMPORTED & DOMESTIC 



UQ 



ALSO, 



7<" 



Jones & Sons' lb. lump Tobacco, 
Z^_ Wm. Grainer's «' " 

' ^^ Lottiers' " " 

" ' ^""^^ A Chewers' Favorite half lb " 
C/i^^^DPriuirose, 5's and lO's 
'"V'^^C-* Anderson's Dewberry, 5's and lO's. 
^^^b) Lottiers' 6's, Pju^ Roll. 
^'^^^ Thomas' Diadem Twist. 
'< Eldorado. 
Rough and Ready lb. lump Tobacco. 

Anderson & Go's Solace Tobacco, j ^. ^ , 

E. Goodwin & Bro's Sarsaparilla " \ ^'""^ ^''^' 

FINE AND COARSE 

Rappee and Scotch Snuffs. 




Pipes, &c., &c. 

k hmM ASSOHTIEIT OF SEGAiS, 

Including the Celebrated 
22 



^ ^^ i^us^ ^^ ^^ \^ ^^ '^^ <|i^ ^^ I 

WEST SIDE DeKALB, below Egypt, STREET, 



Sacks, Capes, Shawls, Jackets, Opera Hood?, Nu- 
bias, Mariposa Under Shirts, Drawers, Sheneal Caps, 
Ball Caps, Scarfs, Soiitags,^ and 

HOSIERY OF ALL KINDS 

Always on hand, and will be sold at prices to suit all. 
1^°" Would respectfully call the attention of the 
public. ^^^ 

Wholesale Coefectionery, 
Cake Bakery and Ice Cream Saloon, 

No, 210 Egypt (or Main) Street, 

||0ni^tmv«, fit 

co:rffectio^ery of ai^i. kinds, 

Plain and Fancy Calies, Fruit, Nuts, &c.; 

In short, every thing usually sold in a well ordered 
establishment. 

I@^ Particular attention paid to furnishing Wed- 
dings, Parties and Balls, with Cakes, Confectionery, 
Ice Cream, &c., on reasonable terms. 

23 



WILLIAM STAHLEK 




No. 202 Main St., Norristown, Pa., 

Wholesale and Kctail Dealer in 

Drugs, Medicines Chemicals, Dye-StiilTs, Paints and 

Painters' Articles, Oils, Varnishes, Window 

Glass & Putty, Spices, Caniphene, 

Burning Fluid, Kerosene 

Oil, ttc, &c. 

Trusses and Shoulder Braces; Pure Wines and Li- 
quors for Medicinal J Purposes ; 

All the Genuine Patent Medicines of the day, 

And a large and carefully selected stock of all arti- 
cles usually met with in a well stocked Drug 
Store, all of which may be relied upon as of undoubt- 
ed purity and freshness. 

24 



JOSEPH BEEilEil, 
PENNSYLVANIA FAKMKRS' 

AXO 

North Side of E^pt (or Main) St., 

NORPwISTOWN. PA. 



HOISE COMFORTABLE A.\D CO.HMODIOIS; 

Table supplied with the best the 
Market can Afiford. 

The Slabliijg Good, with Careful Ostlers. 

The Bar stocked witli the best Wines, Liq[uor8, 
and Segars. 

Stages start from this House for the fol- 
lowing Places, viz: 

Perklomen, Trappe, Pottstown, Boyertown, 
Zeiglerville, Shultzville, Green Lane, Penns- 
]jurg, Freichlersville, Skippackville, Leder- 
achvillej Samneytown, AUentown, Plymouth, 
Ptoxborough, Manayunk, Phoenixville and 
Shannonville. 

2^ 25 



O. DOTTERI^R & CO., 

DEALERS ' IN 

No. 227 Egypt {or Main) street, Norristown, Pa. 

Sole, Upper, Calf, Kips, Linings, Bindings, and all kinds of 
Patent Leather and Fancy Moroccos, Skirting, Harness, Bri- 
dle, Belting, &c. 

N. B. — Cash paid for Hides and Skins. 

ALBEET WETZEL, 

And Dealer in Ready-Madc Clotlilng^, 

No. 236 Main street, Norristown, Fa. 



Constantly on hand a large assortment of fashionable, cheap 
Clothing, and Gentlemen's Furnishing Goods ; Trunks and 
Carpet Bags, with a great variety of Cloths, Cassimeres and 

Vc'Stings. 

W. T. ^OPLIiy, 

Jeweler & fflatch JWakcr, 

i9if ^gjjirt 3ixui, ^nxbUmx, fit. 

Always on hand a fine stock of all goods 
in his line, which will be disposed of on satis- 
factory terms. 

WatGHES HEPAmEt) 

!Iili®liI![?ir[L¥ Mm WaiFH (BiJ\SS» 

26 



CLOTHING, 



The oldest Hat, Cap, and Clothing Establishment 
in Norristown, is at 

No. 178 Main Street, 

TWO DOORS ABOVE THE MOXTGOMEB.Y HOTEL. 

All descriptions of Hats, Caps and Clothing kept 
on hand, or made up to order. Neatness, Cheapness 
and Politeness are the mottoes of this establishment. 

M. AUGE & CO. 



S. W. Cor. Main and BeKalb Sts. 

The Republican is an independent, reform paper- 
Price : — $1 50 in advance, or $2 at the end of the 
year. 

THE JOBBING DEPARTMENT 

Is provided with a choice assortment of 

mW STYLE T¥FES, 

iOEQEBS, BULIS, &0, 

Jobs of all kinds are gotten up with despatch, and in 

th3 highest style of the art. 

M. AtJGEE, Editor. 

Foreman an dSuperintendent of the Typographical Department, 

JOHN H. WILLIAMS. 

27 



MONTGOMERY HOTEL, 

South side Egypt or Iain street, 

{Between DeKalb and Swede streets,) 



DAMIEI. R. BKOWEM, 



This Hotel is the most 
Of any in the Borough ; is well kept ; 

HOUSE LAKGE mB klRY, 

AND 

THE T^BtB le wEtt zmtm 

With the best of every thing in the Market* 
The Bar is always stocked with the best 
brands of 

stabling Large and Careful Ostlers. 

28 



LUMBER & COAL, 

Cor. Foiirtli and Mill Sts., 

BRIDGEPORT, PENNA. 



ALWAYS ON HAND 

Of all the different sizes, prepared for family 
and steam purposes, which he will sell as 
low as the same article can be purchased 
elsewhere. 

Also, on hand, a general assortment of 




OF ALL KINDS, FOR BUILDING, 
To which he invites the attention of Car- 
penters and Builders in want of a first rate 
article, before purchasing elsewhere. 

CEDAR AND CHSSTHUT 

^AILS kMD POSTS, . 

ALWAYS ON HAND. 

Which will bs sold to suit purchasers- 

29 



GEORGE ZINNEL, 




168 Egypt (or Main) St., 






-» 



CDBEEOINTiVBBYBESTmiE. 



Jllways Fresh and Large. 



30 



The proprietors wish to draw the public attention to their 
large and line collection of 

Embracing Standard and Dwarf Fruit Trees of all kinds. 

Of all the standard, old, hardy varieties, and quite a number 
of recent introduction. 

Comprising the finest Currants, Gooseberries, Kaspberrics, 
Blackberries, Strawberries, etc., etc. 

MMUBAllB, €JIA]^T ASPARAGUS, &c. 

Deciduous Ornamental Trees of all kinds, including the 

most elegant weeping trees for Lawns and Cemeteries. 

Evergreen Trees, of all the most desirable species, and of 
all|ages and sizes, many of them quite rare. 

EVERGREEN AMD DECIDUOUS FLOWERING SHRUBS, 

Including almost everything that is really desirable and suit- 
able for our climate. 

Climbing Shrubs? such as Honeysuckles, Bignonias Clema- 
tis, Ivy, Wistarias, etc., etc. 

And other hardj^ border perennial plants. 

PETSJMHAS, ^IBAMSUlSs YSBBiHASg 

And other bedding out plants. 

For particulars we refer to our Descriptive Priced Catalogue? 
a copy of which will be sent gratis to all applicants. 

PacSiing- done in tlie best manner. 

Freights paid to Philadelphia on all orders amounting to $5, 
or over. 

J. L. DARLIKGTON & €0., Proprietors. 

31 



F. D. SOWER, 




nmmu m mTioiii, 

Jr&. ^30 Main Street, 



Bibles, Blank Deeds, 

Prayer Books, Bonds and Mortages, 

Hymn Books, Cap, Note, Post and 

Miscellaneous Books, Wrapping Paper, 
School Books, Envelopes, 

Blank Books, Gold and Steel Pens, 

Magistrate's Blanks, Accordeons, 
Violins, Perfumery, 

Combs, Brushes, 

Cutlery, Porte Monaies, 

Garden Seeds. 

32 



NEW LIVERY STABLE. 

Corner DeKalb and Lafayette Streets, 



BENJAfflll JENKIIS 

Would respectfully inform his friends and 
the public generally, that he is now prepared 
to furnish them with 

Siil HKHS & imMMiM. 



WATCH MAKi M JIWE 

No. 172 Egypt, or Iain Street, 

(Opposite the Public Square,) 

iiiiJSTQWi, PA. 

Always on hand and for sale, 

MUf WaTCHE0t 

AXD 

p All kinds of Jewelry manufactured to 
order. 

Uy^ Clocks and Watches repaired on the most rcaasonable 
terms. 

33 




BOWMaN. MEMT k CO.. 

NORRISTOWN, PA. 



Manufacturers of High and Low Pressure Engines, Cornish 
Engines, for Mines and Water Works of any capacity ; Mining 
Machinery and Tunnel Work of every description, such as 
Plunger and Drawing Lift Pumps, Jigging Machines, Ore 
Crushers, Circular Buddies and Stamps, Steam and Horse 
Whims, Buckets and Miners' Tools, Shears and Horse Whim 
Pulleys, Block and Crab Winches. Flue, Tubular and Cylinder 
Boilers, of the best Pennsylvania charcoal Iron. 

OF Ii:VEIlY DESCRIPTION; 

Rolls made and turned for rolling all kinds of Iron ; Saw Mills, 

MILL GEARING, SHAFTING, 

And all Kinds of Work belonging to the 

FOUNDRY AND MACHINE BUSINESS. 

HAVING A 

For said Machinery on hand, and being praciical Mechanics o^ 
many years experience, they flatter themstlvts with being able 
to do work with despatch, and will guarantee all entrusted to 
them. 

Particular attention will be given to 

JOBBING AND REPAIRING. 

JOHN AVEST, Chief Engineer. 
34 



DEPOT OF 

1104 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia^ 

AGENTS OF J. ANDRE, 

OFFENBACH, O. M. 



OUR COMPLETE STOCK OF 

Comprising Composition for every instrument, as well as 
AN EXTENSIVE ASSORTMENT OF 



Gives us facilities for supplying 

AMATEUf^S, SCHOOLS, SEMINARIES, &C., 

VrOICfl J«0 OTHER MOUSE CAN OFFER. 



t^znmm mmn tmrnt^ 

MUSICAL MERCHANDISE IN GENERAL, 



:isrE\^r m:tjsio 

Received regularly from Europe, and from all the 
leading Music Publishers in the United Stales. 

COMPLETE CATALOGUES ORATIS. 

35 



STOVES, STOVES. 

DANIEL QUILLMAN & SON, 

Respectfully inform their friends, and the public generally, 
that they have purchased of John M. Staufper, the good will 
and entire stock of the 

AND 




CONSISTING OF 

Both Plain and Gas Burning, for 
CooMng^, Parlors, CflSces, 

BAR-ROOMS, AND 

;c3es:tji^o2s:his. 

Of the Latest design & improvement^ 

THEY ARE SOLE AGENTS 
FOR THE CELEBRATED 
LEHIGH AND CHARM STOVES, 

WithSpear's Gas Burning Patent, and would call particular atten- 
tion to this fact. The LEHIGH is unsurpassed in its operation 
hy any Stove of the kind now in use. It consumes less coal, and 
creates more heat than any other in the market. They hereby in- 
vite all persons in want of Stoves to call and examine for them- 
selves. Persons wishing to examine will have every attention 
shown them, whether intending to purchase immediately or not. 
They have also on hand a large stock of Tinware, Building and 
Shelf Hardware, Cutlery and Tools, Oil Cloths, Rattinets, and a 
general assortment of Coachware and Trimmmgs, consisting of 
Aples, Springs, Hubs, Spokes, Rims, &c. TIN ROOFING and 
SPOUTING promptly attended to. Stoves delivered, and put up 
within three miles of Norristown, free of charge. Old Stoves 
taken in exchange for new ones. 

1>A]VIEL. QUII.L.MA]¥ & SON, 
Cor. Main aaid Swede Streets, IVorristown, Pa. 

30 



BETWEEN 

Philadelphia and Norristown, Pa. 

OFFICE IN PHILADELPHIA, 

No. 9 South Third Street, below Market, 

AND 

ODD FELLOWS' HALL, NORRISTOWN, PA. 

Goods and Freight taken at reasanable rates, and forwarded 
to any part of the Union. 

DCr" Bills, Notes, Drafts and Checks, collected and returns 
promptly made. 

He very respectfully asks the patronage of the public. 

Leaves Norristown 9 o'clock, A. M.; returning leaves PhiLi- 
delphia 3.05 o'clock, P. M. 

W. IL. ^1 



GEORGE PERRY'S 
Corner Green and Washington Streets, Norristown' 

BRANDIES— Dark, Pale, Pinet, Rachelle, Ilennesy, Teabcrry 
and \Yhite, Wild Cherry, Raspberry, Ginger, Peach. 

WHINES — Superior Old Sherry, superior Okl Maderia, superior 
Old Port, superior Old Cherry, superior Old Currant, Champagne, 
Claret, Catawba and Hock. 

WHISKE YS— Superior Old Monon- 
gahela, superior Old Mountain R.ye, 
superior Old Borbon, Family Nectar, 
Irish and Scotch, Rectified Rye ^Yhis- 
k ey. 
GINS— Holland Gin, Swand Brands. 
RUMS-Superior Old Jamaicia Spir- 
its, superior Old New England Rum. 
FANCY LIQUORS— Wine Bitters, 
Blackberry Bitters, Lavender Bitters, Old Apple Bitters. 

ALCOHOL, COMET and SCHNEIDAM. Liquor in bottles 
always on hand. All orders promptly attended to, and packages 
delivered without charge. 

37 





DRUG S AND MEDIC INES 

DR. H. T. SLEMIISE, 

No. 180 Egypt Street, 

Has on baud the largest and best variety of 

iiUiS, liEililiiS, 

Of any house in Montgomery county, which will be sold 

At Keasonable Prices for Cash. 

Every family should be provided with the following Medicines, which are 
safe in their operation upon the system. They have produced some of the 
most wonderful cures upon record : 

Dr. Slemmer's COMPOUND SYRUP of SARSAPARILLA, 

the greatest Blood Purifyer in existence, cures all diseases arising from im- 
pure blood. 

Dr. Slemmer's COUGH MIXTURE, cures Coughs, Colds, 

Whooping Cough, and Incipient Consumption. 

Dr. Slemmer's INFANT DROPS relieves, as if by magic, 

Infantile Cholic, Restlessness, &c. Every mother should be provided with 
this remedy. 

Dr. Slemmer's TONIC VERMIFUGE, the greatest Worm 

Destroyer known. 

Dr. Slemmer's DIARRHCEA MIXTURE, cures Bowel Com- 
plaint quicker than any other remedy. 

Dr. Slemmer's AGUE MIXTURE, cures Ague, Chills and 

^Dr. Slemmer's FEMALE REGULATING ELIXIR, is a sure 

and safe llemedy. 

Dr. Slemmer's FEMALE OR MONTHLY PILLS, are a sure 

Restorer. 

Dr. Slemmer's ANTI-BILIOUS PILLS, relieve all obstruc- 
tions of the Liver, and are a complete Purgative Pill. 

Dr. Slemmer's SARSAPARILLA BLOOD PILLS, are a 

Mild Alterative Pill, and are very useful in Constipation of the Bowels, and 
when a light Pergative Medicine is required. 

Dr. Slemmer's STOMACH BITTERS, promote Digestion and 

give increased vigor to the whole system. 

Dr. Slemmer's IIUFELAND BITTERS, cure Dyspepsia, 
Loss of Appetite, Liver Complaint, Low Spirits, ic. 

38 



PUBLIC NOTICE. 



illBllSlI 



HASFITTED UP A CASE OF MEDICINES 

Expressly for Compounding Prescriptions. 

All Prescriptions are compounded by the Doctor personallj, which will be 
a guarantee against mistakes being made. 

OBSERVE.— Db. SLEMMERhas no agreement with physicians to pay them 
a per centage for their influence in sending- Prescriptions to his store, but re- 
lies upon the good judgment of the citizens. All Prescriptions compounded 
of the purest Medicines and at reasonable prices . 



Db H. T. Slemmeb, graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, 1843, ha^ 
the honor to inform the citizens of Norristown and vicinity that 

His Office for the Reception of Patients 

IS NOW READY. 

Tha Doctor may be consulted in private at all times upon all diseases which 
the human .system is heir to, without restraint. 

AL-t. MATTERS SACREDL.Y COIVFIOEIVTIAL.. 

Da. SLEMiiEH having paid much attention to 

Is confident he can give relief and cure disease in a majority of cases when 
others have failed . 

Ladies Suffering from Irregularities and Nervous Derangement, 
Debility, Inward Weakness, Prolapsus Uteri, Enlargements, fcc, 

•will find under the Doctor's treatment, speedy relief and permanent cure. 
All should avail themselves of the opportunity now offered. 

GC^The Doctor ha.s a.s neat and complete a Medical Office as 
can be found in the State. 



Trusses and Abdominal Supporters 

Accurately fitted by Dr. H. T. Slem.mer, 

J^T lVrOIDEI^A.TE I^PIIOES. J^X^JL. SIZES 

For Gentlemen, Ladies and Children, alv:ays on hand. 



TEE LlRfJ ESTJMDSOMESTM D BEST 

Clje Ji0rrist0toH |legister, 



Having the largest circulation of the English papers in the 
county, and printed on new copper-faced type, is 

Published Weekly in the Borough of KTorristown, Pa., 

And contains a large amount of original and selected reading, 
together with a full resume of general and local news, &c. 

TERMS — $2 per annum, payable one half invariably in 
advance. 



THE I?.EGI-ISTEPt Ss ■v^j^r£G:E3:isKj^isr 

j®B PiiiTii© ©mil 

Is'one of the best furnished and most complete in the country, 
possessing the most ample facilities for promptly executing 
in the best style and at the most moderate rates, every variety 
of Plain and Fancy Printing, such as 

POSTERS, 

HANDBILLS, 

PAMPHLETS, 

PROGRAMMES, 
CARDS, 

CIRCULARS, 

BLANKS, 

BALL TICKETS, 
BILL HEADS, LABELS, ETC., ETC. 

Cards $1 50, and upwards, per thousand. 

Office — Corner of Main and Swede Streets, 

NORRISTOWN PA. 

40 



FARMERS' ^ MECHANICS' 

HOT* "FT 
iHTHSlEmTJRHAINST.. 

SEPTIMUS KRIBEL, Proprietor. 

(SUCCESSOR TO ISAAC STETLER.) 

|i0,use is ITarge, €01111110^0115, 

Stables well Arranged, 

^nd will accommodate a large number oj Horses, with 

Careful and Experienced Ostlers; 

ITSr THE DMC^A^PIKIET. 

The Bar is Supplied with the Choicest 

41 



WilUAM WELLS, 

WK & TOUPEE MAKER, 

MANUFACTUUER OF HAIR JEWELRY, 

AND 

No. 206 Egypt (or Main) Street, 
NORRISTOWN, PENNA. 

J®iEPH iilHiLiFF, 

IBY Um m GEOCSBY STOi. 

S. W. Cor. Egypt and Barbadoes Sts,, 
NORRISTOWN, PENNA., 

Is now ready to furnish all articles in his line, at as fair prices 
as any store in town. 

N. B. — Goods delivered to any part of this and Bridgeport 
Boroughs free of charge. 



Tiailii 



No. 232 Egypt {or Main) Street, 
NORRISTOWN, PENNA., 

Is now prepared to furnish all articles of Clothing in his 
line, at as fair prices as any store in the borough. 

A CHOICE LOT OF 

AND 

ON HAND, which wil^be made to order with great care, and 

neat ness of fit. 

Ready Made Clotlaing al^vays on hand £it city 
prices- 

42 




NATIONAL DEFENDER, 

PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY 



Subscription Price $2.00 per annum 

The Defender will contain well selected stories and general 
literature, all the local news, news from neighboring counties, 
and States, Foreign news, and all that transpires in the Polit- 
ical World. 

No effurt will be spared to make the Defender one of the 
best papers in the State. The increased circulation, and flour- 
ishing condition of the Defender, is fast rendering it the most 
valuable advertising medium in the county. 



AND 

f #• tftiBtiai, 

Of every description, neatly and promptly executed at the 

DEFEISTDER OFFICE 

We have added to our large and extensive assortment of 
JOB TYPE, many new styles, which will now enable us to do 
Job Work of all descriptions, on reasonable terms, and at 
short notice, viz : 

Hand Bills, Posting Bills, Circulars, Way Bills, Blank 
Booh, Blanks, Notices, Fancy Cards, Business Cards, 
Catalogues, Bam'phlets, Constitutions, Programmes, 
Ball Tickets, Bill Heads, Concert Tickets, Elec- 
tion Tickets, Funeral Notices, Apotheca- 
ry Labels, dfc, Sfc, dfc. 

Printing in Colored Inks and Bronzes^ 

NEATLY EXECUTED. 

DC?^We hope, by strict attention to business, to give gene- 
ral satisfaction to all who may favor us with their orders. 

43 



GROCERY km PROVISION STORE, 

JVorth Side Egypt (or Main) St., ah. Barbadoes, 
NORRISTOWN, PENNA. 

A large supply of goods on hand and for sale, at prices to 
suit all. 

N. B, — Goods delivered free of charge. 

Conyeyancer and Real Estate Agent, 

no. 3© EAST CJAY STREET, 
WEST CHESTER, PENNA. 



Money carefully loaned, and all business in 
Ills line promptly attended to. 

SPORTSMEN LOOK HERE ! 



BRIGG'S PATENT GUNS! 



The subscriber having obtained letters patent for his new 
and useful improvement in Guns and Fire Arms, desires to call 
the attention of Sportsmen, and the community in general, to it. 
The stock is hollow, and is made of malleable iron; the lock and 
trigger consist of only two pieces, in- 
cluding the guard. In using this gun 
there is no recoil, owing to the peculiar 
construction of the stock, and it can 
he discharged as much quicker than 
'any other gun, as the ordinary percus- 
sion gun can be over the old flint lock 
kind. It is not subject to get out of 
order, having one-half less pieces in its 
manufacture than any other gun ever patented ; is durable in every particular, 
and will last any one a life time. From its great simplicity, cheapness of con- 
struction, increased durability and safety from explosion, it is especially -H-orthy 
the attention of those who use fire-arms. Thorough trial has demonstrated its 
precision and effectiveness in service. All orders in gun making and repair- 
ing promptly attended to. 

li^Shop onEUYPT street, between Mill and Arch streets, Norristown, Pa. 

WII.I.IAM BRIGGS. 

u 




UNITED STATES TROST COMPMY. 



Interest 5 per cent. Money Returned on 
Demand. 



S. E. COR. OF THIRD AND CHESTNUT STREETS, 

PHILADELPHIA. 

CHARTERED BY THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, APRIL, 1850. 

Money is received on deposit daily. The amount deposited is 
entered in a Deposit Book, or, if preferred, a Certificate will be 
given to the Depositor. 

Ct^ Sums large and small received and paid back on demand 
without notice. 

INTEREST 5 PER CENT. 

Interest at the rate of Five Per Cent, is allowed from the day 
of deposit, to the day the money is returned. 

On the first day of November, in each year, the interest upon 
each deposit is paid to the depositor, or added to the principal, as 
may be preferred. 

By special agreement, this Company also receives deposits from 
Merchants and others. Cashing their Checks thereon at sight, as 
usual with Banks, and on the average bealances, allow the most 
liberal rate of interest which the nature of each account may war- 
rant. 

Office Hours. — From 9 in the morning until 5 in 
the afternoon; also Monday Evenings from 7 to 9 
o'clock. 

President, STEPHEN R. CRAWFORD. 
Secretary and Treasurer, J. R. HUNTER. 
TeUer, JOSEPH H. HEDGES. 

DIRECTORS. 

STEPHEN R. CRAWFORD, BENJAMIN W. TINGLEY, 
PAUL B. GODDARD, M. D., PATRICK BRADY, 
JAMES DEVEREUX, THOMAS T. LEA, 

DANIEL BEIDELMAN, GEORGE JUNKIN, 

WILLIAM M. GODWIN, ALEX'R C. HART, M. D., 

B. FRANKLIN JACKSON, PLINY FISK. 

45 



JOHM TAYLOR, 




gowxtk f twt, mt^i f ttU Mow mm, 

^// u'or^ warranted to give entire satisfaction, and prices to 
suit. Repairing carefully and pronvgtly done. 

OBNAMENTAL IHON WORKS, 

jacoFIrIier, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

Respectfully informs the public that he carries on the business on 
DeKALB Street, (near Jamison's Factory,) Norristown, Penn'a^ 
Where he will be happy to furnish all 
orders in his line with promptness, and 
on the most reasonable terms. 

For Cemetery Lots, or public or private 
liiildirgs, of various desigus, in the 
best style, 

VERANDAS AND BALCONIES 
Will be put up at short noitice, and in 
the most durable manner. 

46 




Ctjerrg fill llurseries, 

WEST CHESTER, PENNA. 

THE Proprietors request the attention of Planters, the 
coming Spring, to their large stock of 



Which are unusually well grown and thrifty. DCT'ParticuIar 
care taken to dig and pack, in such a manner as to carry any ' 
distance with safety. 

Our list of Fruit Trees will be found to contain all the old 
and well established varieties, as well as many of the newer 
kinds that promise well. 

APPLES— Standard and Dwarf. 

PEARS, do. do. 

CHERRIES, do. do. 

PLUMS, PEACHES, APRICOTS, NECTARINES, 

GRAPES^ GOOSEiEMJES, KHOBMB, 

QUINCES, BLACKBERRIES, CURRANTS, CHEST- 
NUTS, STRAWBERRIES, FILBERTS, WALNUTS, MED- 
LARS, ASPARAGUS, &c. 

DOWNING'S EVERBEARING MULBERRY. 

Fine Strong Plants of this new, delicious variety, which con" 
tmues in fruit for a long time, should be in every collection- 
Seventy varieties of HARDY GRAPES; many of which 
are now first offered for sale. We invite attention to a few 
STRONG LAYERS OF DELAWARE. 
Our Ornamental Department contains all the most desirable 
and new species of Evergreens; also DOUBLE FLOWER- 
ING, WEEPING AND VARIEGATED TREES AND 
SHRUBS. 

S^ ^[^ ^S j^Sl ^@ <» 

A large assortment of the most beautiful of all the different 

classes. 

For Street Planting we can furnish Maples, Lindens, Ashs 

and Larch s, by the quantity, at low rates. 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DESCRIPTLVE CATA- 
LOGUES FURNISHED TO ALL APPLICANTS. 
^]Z7^Freight paid on all goods to Philadelphia. 

^ HOOPES a BROTHERS, Proprietors. 

West CnESTER, Pa. 
47 ^ 



GEORGE Y. HAMSELL'S 

WALL PAPER 

JVo 7 Union Buildings, 
Main St., below BeKalb, 

JU.iss ^mia JM. Mansell, 

MILLINER, 

JVo. 7 Union Muildings, 

Main St., below DeKalb, 

BOMMISTOWl, FA. 



48 



AND 

Main Street, Adjoioing the Public Square, 

Wi « Wi W '^lii '%« ''^W. l?ti!ij '^' ^ 9 

Lodging and General Hotel Accommodations 

&pk'r§ §eirbec) [\p l^ ^bei^lj §il)ic. 

This Hotel and Restaurant, which has recently 
been fitted up with great taste, and at considerable 
expense, is now open for the accommodation of 

THOSE WHO DESIRE 

AT ALL TIMES, 
AND IN EVERY VARIETY. 

The subscriber feels confident that having had 
considerable experience in catering for the public's 
palate and the pul)lic's convenience, with new facili- 
ties and a better location, he will receive a liberal 
share of patronage. 

The proprietor is determined to make the Wash- 
ington a first class Hotel, and invites the support of 
the travelling and resident public. 

iMilSl WlllS^ IliWilS (§ SMAIS^ 

AND READING ALE. 

J. HEEBNER, Proprietor. 

JV. B. — Families and Parties will be supplied at 
short notice. 

3^ 49 




CHURNS! CHURNS!! 



EMBKEE'S IMPROVEMENT, 

With an iron power for a single horse, to drive them. 
Also, Other AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS at 
DAMON, SPEAKMAN 8d CO.'S, 

WEST CHESTER, PA. 

WILLIAil H. YERKES, 

No. 199 Egypt Street, 

(NEARLY OPPOSITE MONTGOMERY HOUSE,) 

L. ^ S. HUCHESp 



(iff 



AND 



ftiiitmiiig ^hUr 



NO. 4 UNION BUILDINGS, 



50 




STOVES & HEATERS!! 
SNELL Se RUTTY, 

{JYearly Opposite the Bank of Montgomery County ) 

NORRISTOWN, PA., 

Wliere can always be found a largo display of 
STOYES, amon.o; which can be found the Gas 
Burner, Parlor, Egg, Cylinder, 
Heating, Church, Hall, and 
Dinning Room Stoves, of the 
pbest and most approved pat- 
terns. 

They are sole agents for 

Portable and for brick, for burning hard and 
soft coal, for vv^arming vrith pure air and ventilating 
private and public rooms, halls, churches, factories, 
stores, &c., with or without register. The most 
powerful heaters, and the greatest fuel savers, in the 
world ; burning the gases and smoke without clinker. 

Unimpeachable testimonials from gentlemen whose 
character cannot be disputed can and will be shown. 
Any one desiring to witness the performance of one 
of these heaters can do so at any time by calling upon 
Snell & Rutty. 

Also, a large assortment of TIN WARE wholesale 
and retail. METALIC ROOFING, and all kinds 
of house work promptly attended to at short notice 
and on reasonable terms. 

Also a large stock of Milk Cans on hand, made from 
the best material, and by the most experienced v*^ork- 
men, and will be furnished upon terms to suit our cus- 
tomers. 

WILLIAM T. SNELL. THEODORE RUTTY. 

51 



HARRIS' IMPROVED 

lOIDOIR SEWINi; MACIINE 



m 
o 







© o 

Is. 

^1 



MANUFACTUEED IN WILMINGTON, DEL., 

Which ought to recommend it to the attention of all wishing a 

iEU^iiE iEWIi^ li^il^lliE 

This Machine is celebrated for its simplicity and durability. 

Prices varying from $40 to $48? with box, and 

up to $75 in handsome cabinet cases. 

Remember, it is Manufactured in Wilmington, Delaivare. 

Agents Wanted in differejat states. 



Principal Sales Rooms. 

S. D. Baker, No. 720 Arch Street, 
Philadelphia. 

Ferris & Garrett, 504 Mai-ket St., 
Wilmington, Del. 

Mr. Bellinger, Lancaster, Pa. 

Tacoby & Schall, York, Pa. 

Manufactured by 

C. W. HOWLAWD, 

WILMINGTON, DEL. 



Premiums Awarded. 

First Premium was awarded this Ma- 
chine at the Pennsylvania State 
Fair, at Powelton, Sept 30, 1859. 

A Silver Medal, the only premium 
awarded by the Lancaster Co. Fair, 
was awarded to this Machine. 

A Silver Medal at the Marj-land State 
Fair, held in Baltimore^ Oct., 1859. 

A Diploma at the New Castle County 
Fair, held at Wilmington, Del., 
Oct., 1859. 



-^ddvcss 

JAMES MEGEATTEN, GenH Agt, 

Wilming^ton, Delaware. 



'52 



ALL mEmmmm 

SHOULD BE PkEPARED BY A PHYSICIAN ! 



I>R S WAYNE'S ADVICE is, to take no medicines except those pre- 
pared by a competent and responsible ph3^sician, who is experienced in th-* 
treatment of the complaints for which the medicines are designed, and who 
has fully tested and proved their efiacacy, by personal observation, on their 
patients. 

HEALTH ! HEA1.TH ! ! HEALTH ! ! ! 

OR. SWAYNE'S 

COMPOUND SYRUP OP WILD CHERRY. 

My Cough was Killing Me by Inches, 

HUNDREDS SAY, until I used "DR. SWAYNE'S Compound Syrup of Wild 
Cherry." The most reliable remedy for a bad Cough, Consumption, Weak 
Breast, Heart Disease, Bronchitis, Asthma, Whooping Cough, Blood Spitting, 
Liver Complaint, Nervous Debility, Restless Nights, &c. No remedy, boasted 
as it may be, can pretend to approach it, 

ASTHMA, BLOODY EXPECTORATION, &c. 

ANOTHER GREAT CURE.— I not only take pleasure, but deem it a duty I 
owe to suffering humanity, to state what "Dr. Swatnb's Compound Syrup 
of Wild Cherry" has done for me I was taken with a violent cough, bloody 
expectorations, great difficulty of breathing, so that I had to get out of my 
bed and setup all night. I procured the above valuable medicine of Harmau 
Titus, Bensalem, who can also testify that it has made a perfect cure. 

Bensalem, Bucks Co., Pa., May 15th, 1859. JOHN W. PAGE. 

SWAYM'S SARSAPARILLA AND TAR PILLS, 

(Sugar coated) Cure Costiveness, Heartburn, Headache arising from disorder- 
ed stomach. Nausea, Indigestion, Pain in and Morbid Inaction of the Bowels? 
Flatuency, Loss of Appetite, Jaundice, &c. No pills seem to give such univer- 
sal satisfaction. 

Jf You are Suffering from Dyspepsia and all its Evils, use 
"SWAYNE'S BITTER CATHOLIOON." 

J. G. HENDERSON, West Haverford, Delaware County, Pa., says— Your 
Bitters sell very well, and give general satisfaction. For Dyspepsia, or In- 
digestion in all its forms, they are invaluable. They have been of incalcula- 
ble benefit tome. 

GREAT PfmiFYEK, OF THE BI^OO©. 

Swayne's Compound Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla, a great remedy for Scro- 
fula, Old Ulcers, evil effects of Mercury, all Skin Eruptions, Blood Puryfying, 
&c., &c. 

11« WWATMWU liWll SlllIAl^ 

A pleasant and sure remedy for Asiatic Cholera, Cholera Morbus, Diarrhoeaj 
Dysentery, Cholera Infantum, Summer Complaints, Pains in the Stomach and 
Bowels, Vomiting, Sickness of the Stomach, &c. 

mr" Every family should have a bottle in the house, in case of a sudden 
attack in the night. It relieves all pain. 

These standard remedies, prepared only by Dr. Swayne & Son, Seventh Street, 
above Market, Philadelphia, are sold by LONGAKER & CO., and WM. ST AH- • 
LER, NoRRiSTOWN, and by all principal storekeepers and dealers in medicine 
everyAvhere. 

53 ^ 




WATCHES ^JEWELRY. 

tEWie tacoMos st go., 

[First door ahove Eigth Street,) 

PHILADELPHIA., 

Would most respectfully ask the attention of citizens and 
strangers to their large, cheap and well selected stock of 

AND 

CONSISTING IN PART OF 
GoldHuntingLever Watches, full jewelled, 18 carat case, - - $40 00 
Gold Lever Watches, open face, full jeweled, 18 carat case, - - 30 00 
Gold Lepine Watches, open face, full jewelled, 18 carat case, - 22 00 
Silver Lever Watches, Hunting case, full jewelled, - - - 18 00 

Silver Lever Watches, open face, full jewelled, - - - - 14 00 

Silver Lepine Watches, Hunting Case, - 14 00 

Silver Lepine Watches, open face, 9 03 

Gold Guard Chains, 12 00 

Gold Vest and Fob Chains, .--.---- 10 00 

Gold Pen Holder with Pen and Pencil, 4 00 

Gold Pencils, 1 50 

Gold Pens with Silver Holders, 100 

Silver Table Spoons per set, 14 00 

Silver Tea Spoons, 6 00 

With a large assortment of Silver Table and Tea Forks ; Desert, Mustard 
and Salt Spoons ; Pie, Cake and Ice Cream Knives; Sugar Spoons, Preserve 
Spoons, Pickle Knives and Forks, &.c. 

Also, constantly on hand a magnificent assortment of JEWELRY, consisting 
in part of Bracelets, Breastpins, Ear Rings, Finger Rings, Miniature Cases for 
1, 2, 4 and 6 likenesses ; Gold Crosses, CHILDREN'S ARMLETS, and every- 
thing in the Jeweh-yline of the latest and most approved patterns. 

Gold and Silver Thimbles, WEDDING RINGS, at all prices. Ladies' Chatlains, 
Gold Watch Keys and Seals, Gold, Silver and Steel Specks, Opera Glasses, &c. 
Silver Plated Tea Sets, Silver Plated Knives and Forks— beautiful goods and 
look equal to real silver. 

CALIFORNIA GOLB BOUGHT OR MADE UP TO ORDER. 
1X7= All Kinds of Hair Jewelrj', sach as Breastpins, Ear Rings, Bracelets! 
Chains, Charms, &c., made to order in the most beautiful st^^le . Old Watches 
and Jewelry taken in exchange. 

We can send by Mail, with perfect safety. Watches or Jewelry to any part of 
the United States. All orders must be accompanied with the cash. No Goods 
Bent unless the money is first received [p='Oall on, or address, post paid, 

L,EAVIS LADOMUS & CO., 
No. 802 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. 

54 



M. S. LAWRENCE, 

Paper, Card, and Envelope Warehouse, 
405 Commerce Street, Fhilada. 



Keeps constantly on hand a large Stock of 

HURST & FEEEBLEY, 

DEALERS IN 

Foreign and Domestic 




Corner Penn and Markley Sts., 

BRANDIES.— Dark, Pale, Pinet Rachelle, Hennesy, Teaberry aud "White, 

CORDIALS, — Rose, Anniseed, and Noyeau. 

WHISKEYS.— Superior Old Monongahela, Superior Old Mountain Rye, 
Superior Old Borbon, Family Nector, Irish and Scotch, Rectified Rye whiskey, 
Alcohol. 

WINES.— Superior Old Sherry, Superior Old Madeira, Superior Old Port, 
Superior Old Cherry, Superior Old Currant, Champagne, Claret, Hock and 
Catawba. 

HOLLAND GIN.— Swan Brand, Comet aud Schneidam. 

RUM. — Superior Old Jamaica Spirits, Superior Old N. E. Rum. 

FANCY LIQUORS.— Wine Bitters, "Wild Cherry Brandy, Blackberry 
Brandy, Raspberry Brandy, Lavender Brandy, Ginger Brandv, Old Apple Bran- 
dy, Old Peach Brandy. 

Uj^ Bottled Liquors of all kinds constantly on hand. 

All Orders promptly attended to, and Packages deliv- 
ered any reasonable distance, free of charge. 

55 



FREDERICK GILBERT, 

MANUP^ACTURER OF 

AGBICIIITUEIIL IMFLMNTS. 

Egypt Street, South side, below Arch, 

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mn sHEiiEaStOtovEE mtitnt. 



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56 



THE WEST CHESTER ACADEMY, 

Established in the year 181B, 

Has been under the charge of the present Principal since 
the first of May, 1854, and has gradually risen to a high rank 
in public confidence and patronage. The course of instruction 
is very extensive — its aim, accurate and thorough scholarship 
— its design, to prepare boys and young men for College, or 
fit them for usefulness in the various requirements of active life. 

The Department of the Classics and Classical Literature, 
embracing Ancient History and Geography, Archaeology and 
Mytholog)^, is under the charge of the Principal, who also 
teaches History, Mental and Moral Philosophy, and Constitu- 
tion of the United States. 

The English and Mathematical Departments are taught hy 
gentlemen, whose ability and experience amply qualify them 
for their respective duties. 

Instructions in the French, Spanish, and German Languages, 
is given by resident native teachers. 

Eight Assistants are employed in the various operations of 
the School-room — hence the classes are numerous, and each pu- 
pil is enrolled in such classes, as are best suited to his age and 
actual acquirements, securing to all frequent and searching re- 
citations. 

The scholastic year is divided into two sessions of five 
months each, beginning respectively on the 1st of May and 
November. Students are, however, received at any time, and 
charges are made from the day of the pupil's entering. 

TERMS' 

Boarding, including Bed, Bedding, Washing, Mending, with 
Tuition in the English and Mathematical Branches, SlOO for 
the Summer Session, and $105 for the Winter Session. 

Day Scholars, $15, $20 and $25 per Session, according to 
the age of the pupil and range of studies. 

Extras — Latin or Greek, $10 each, Modern Languages, (Ger- 
man, French and Spanish) $20 per Session: Instrumental 
Music— Piano, $20, Guitar, $20, Violin and Flute, $15 each, 
per Session. 

I person or hy letter, to 



Jit West Chester, Chester County, Pa. 

57 



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Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 



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,. "*>. ^Cs* o N o - <$>^ Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide 

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KEEPER . 

PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES, L.P. U 
1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 









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